Screen time rising among Sri Lankan preschool children, Health Ministry warns

Digital screen use among preschool children in Sri Lanka has risen sharply, with 64 per cent spending more than 30 minutes a day using mobile phones, tablets or computers, Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe said.

Citing findings from a survey, Jasinghe said World Health Organization guidelines recommend that young children should spend less than 30 minutes a day using digital screens.

The Health Ministry has therefore introduced a health promotion programme and a set of guidelines for preschool children.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Jasinghe said the survey also found that around 32 per cent of children slept fewer than 10 to 11 hours a day.

About 43 per cent of children ate meals while watching a screen, he said.

“When children are eating while looking at a screen, their attention may not even be on the food as they swallow it,” Jasinghe said.

He added that about 80 per cent of children brushed their teeth twice a day.

The survey also highlighted concerns about the behaviour of adults caring for young children.

Jasinghe said around 56 per cent of parents or caregivers, including those working in early childhood education centres, reported becoming angry with children.

He also pointed to the relatively limited involvement of fathers in childcare.

“Children have come to be seen as someone the mother has to look after,” he said.

According to the survey, only around 53 per cent of fathers were closely involved in caring for their children.