Parliament Question: Cases of Eye Strain

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH RESEARCH LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 3679 TOBE ANSWERED ON13TH MARCH, 2026 CASES OFEYE STRAIN †3679.SHRIOMPRAKASH BHUPALSINHALIAS PAVANRAJENIMBALKAR: Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing screen time among children and adolescents in India and its potential impacts on brain development, vision and mental health and if so, the detailsthereof; (b) whether any scientific study/survey/assessment has been conducted by the Ministry or affiliated health institutions regarding the health effects of prolonged screen usage among adolescentsandif so, the keyfindingsthereof; (c) whether an increase in cases of eye strain, vision related problems in early age, sleep disorders and attention-related issues has been recorded among school-going children in the recent yearsandif so, the detailsthereof; and (d) the steps taken/proposed to be takenbythe Government toissue healthguidelines, awareness programmes, or school-based interventions to promote the safe and balanced use of digital devices amongchildrenandadolescents? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a)to(c): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that it is aware of the increasing screen time among children and adolescents in India and its potential impacts on physical and mental health. The scientific literature reviewed inthis regard indicates that the physical hazards of excess screen time may include eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain. Mental health hazards may include increased levels of anxiety and mood disorders. Overall well-being can also be impacted by excessive screen time, particularly when it comes to social relationships and cognitive development. The ChildHealth(CH) DivisionhasinformedthatunderRashtriyaBal Swasthya Karyakram(RBSK) of the National Health Mission (NHM), Mobile Health Teams (MHT) conduct health screening of children from birth to 18 years for the four D's: Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Development delays at Anganwadi and Schools. Thisbasic health screening of children is conducted using a structured format, which includes screening of eyes and vision related issues for early identificationand referral topublic healthfacilitiesfor management andfollow-up.(d): Government of India implements the School Health andWellness Programme (SHWP) since 2020 as a joint initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Education to foster growth, developmentandeducational achievementof school goingchildrenbypromoting their health and wellbeing. Under this, two teachers per school trained as Health and Wellness ambassadors (HWAs) conduct regular sessions on various themes including growing up healthy, emotionalwell-being andmentalhealthandsafe use of internetanddigital media etc. *****