Post-Covid mobile addiction grips children: Over 8,000 parents turn to NIMHANS for help

With rising cases of gaming and pornography addiction among children, NIMHANS has launched the ‘SHUT’ clinic to train parents online and help families tackle excessive mobile use.

Mobile phone addiction among children has increased sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, causing serious concern among parents. Excessive screen time, online gaming, and exposure to inappropriate content have turned mobile phones into a major behavioural problem in many households.

Distressed by this growing trend, over 8,000 parents have approached NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) seeking professional support to reduce their children’s dependence on mobile phones.

Parents report that children are spending most of their time on mobile phones, particularly on gaming platforms and social media, while studies and family interactions are being ignored. In several cases, children have also shown signs of addiction to explicit online content, further alarming families.

Many parents complain that mobile phones have become the entire world for their children, leading to reduced interest in education, poor discipline, and emotional withdrawal.

Also Read:₹500+ crore corruption exposed: Lokayukta raid unmasks H.M. Janardhan’s vast scam network in Karnataka

NIMHANS Launches ‘SHUT’ Clinic:

To tackle this growing crisis, NIMHANS has introduced a special initiative called ‘SHUT’ – Service for Healthy Use of Technology. Through this programme, parents are provided structured online training sessions that help them understand digital addiction and manage their children’s screen habits in a healthy way.

The clinic offers guidance to reduce addiction to mobile phones, gaming, social media, and pornography, and equips parents with practical strategies to create balanced digital routines at home.

Since its launch last year, the SHUT programme has received excellent response, with more than 8,000 cases already registered. The rising participation reflects the seriousness of the problem and the urgent need for structured intervention.

Recognising the wider impact, NIMHANS is planning to extend the SHUT programme to schools and college campuses in the coming days. This move aims to reach students directly and create awareness at the institutional level.

Common Symptoms of Mobile Addiction in Children:

Experts at NIMHANS have identified key warning signs of mobile addiction, including:

•    Excessive interest in mobile phones, gaming, or digital content
•    Repetitive screen usage without control
•    Anger and restlessness when devices are taken away
•    Social withdrawal and isolation
•    Reduced interest in studies
•    Sleep disturbances and late-night usage
•    Irregular eating habits
•    Lying or stealing money
•    Difficulty concentrating
•    Sudden mood changes

Doctors advise parents to watch for these symptoms and seek professional help early to prevent long-term psychological impact.