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Momina, a 3.6-year-old girl, illustrates the harmful effects of excessive screen exposure during early childhood. Initially calm and cheerful, she began watching screens with her older cousins, which soon altered her behavior. The screen, acting as a substitute caregiver, stimulated her brain with unhealthy patterns of reward and distraction. As a result, Momina became irritable, restless, and stubborn. She now remains quiet only when a screen is on, but shows agitation when it is turned off. Her interest in toys has diminished, and she has become more demanding, impatient, and prone to long crying episodes if her desires are unmet. Additionally, she has started snatching toys from her younger brother and sometimes hitting him without reason. Despite her young age, she also shows signs of lethargy.
These changes can be explained through the neurobiology of dopamine. While dopamine is essential for motivation and learning, its overstimulation through prolonged screen use leads to receptor dysregulation. Receptors expand with excessive dopamine release, creating a cycle of increasing demand and dissatisfaction. When dopamine needs are unmet, children experience restlessness, anger, and reduced self-control.
To restore balance, children like Momina need reduced screen time, increased physical play, social interaction, and involvement in constructive home activities.
Fozia Ghafoor
EI batch 5
