Screen time, sedentary habits affecting rural areas too

HEMA SINGULURI | Hyderabad 

Childhood non-communicable diseases (NCDs), once largely associated with adults or children from affluent urban households, are now emerging as a growing public health concern across urban, rural and tribal India. 

Public health experts and pediatric specialists warn that childhood NCDs, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, asthma and mental health disorders, are rising across socio-economic groups. Hyderabad experts highlight sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time and unhealthy diets as key drivers behind this growing trend among children.

Different regions, different challenges

Experts observed that while the rise in childhood NCDs is a nationwide phenomenon, the underlying causes differ across regions. In cities, reduced physical activity, increasing dependence on smartphones and tablets, prolonged screen time, unhealthy food choices and inadequate sleep are fueling obesity and metabolic disorders.

In contrast, rural and tribal communities face different challenges. Limited access to healthcare facilities, delayed diagnosis and inadequate awareness often mean that children receive treatment only after diseases have progressed, increasing the risk of serious complications.

Dr. Krupan Kumar, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Apollo Hospitals, said that the widespread use of smartphones, tablets and other digital devices has significantly reduced children's participation in sports and outdoor recreation, contributing to obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Mental health also under strain

Pediatricians noted that the burden extends beyond physical illness. Anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders are becoming increasingly common among school-going children, with prolonged screen exposure, reduced social interaction, and lack of physical activity contributing to poor mental well-being. Experts stressed that childhood NCDs require sustained preventive action rather than isolated awareness campaigns.

Schools and parents have a key role

Specialists recommend a multi-pronged strategy involving parents, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The approach includes promoting balanced nutrition, limiting recreational screen time, ensuring at least one hour of daily physical activity, and conducting regular school health screenings for early risk identification. They emphasize that sustained programmes, healthier campuses, parental involvement, and routine monitoring work better than one-time awareness drives.

Climate change indirectly contributes through heatwaves, pollution and unsafe outdoors, reducing children's play, increasing indoor time and digital dependence. Experts stress healthy lifestyles and early intervention to curb childhood NCDs.