Short videos like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become so deeply ingrained in children's lives that they are no longer just a means of passing time, but have also started changing children's thinking, habits and behaviour.

children's screen time

In today's world, children are growing up in, smartphones, tablets, and the internet have become a part of their everyday lives. Previously, children would spend their free time playing outside, reading books, or chatting with family. However, entertainment has gradually become confined to the mobile screen. In particular, short videos like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have become so deeply ingrained in children's lives that they are no longer just a means of passing time, but are also transforming their thinking, habits, and behavior.

These videos may seem fun and lighthearted, but the dangers hidden behind them are slowly impacting children's health and mental development. Parents often assume that their children are simply watching videos on their mobile phones and that no harm will come of them. But the real problem isn't the actual watching of videos, but the habit of constantly watching them.

Why do short videos attract children so much?

Short videos are short, fast, and trend-driven. They feature songs, jokes, stunts, surprising scenes, and filters that instantly capture children's attention. As soon as one video ends, another automatically starts playing. Children don't get a chance to think or pause; they simply scroll through their fingers. The problem is that these apps weren't designed for children, yet they are the ones using them the most. Often, children watch them alone, unsupervised, and they don't realize when a fun video can turn into dangerous or inappropriate content.

bad effect on sleep

Many children today have developed the habit of looking at their mobile phones just before bed. The bright screen in a dark room tires both the eyes and the brain. The bright light of the mobile phone delays the release of the sleep-inducing hormone. Furthermore, the rapid change in video content prevents the brain from calming down. Consequently, children fall asleep late, experience incomplete sleep, and have difficulty waking up in the morning. Lack of sleep directly impacts children's mood, studies, and behavior. They become irritable and start getting angry over trivial matters.

The ability to concentrate and control oneself is weak.

Short videos are typically 15 to 90 seconds long. Each video contains something new, fast-paced, and surprising. This gradually helps children's brains become accustomed to the constant stimulation. When a child tries to read a book, do homework, or focus on a single task, their minds quickly wander. A 2023 study found that children who watch too many short videos experience reduced attention spans and weakened self-control, leading to the child repeatedly asking for just one more video, but the video never ends.

increased anxiety and social discomfort

Constant screen time impacts not only physical but also mental health. Recent studies have shown that children and adolescents who watch short videos for extended periods of time are more likely to experience anxiety, restlessness, and loneliness. This problem is exacerbated by poor sleep. When a child doesn't sleep well, they feel overwhelmed, unable to concentrate on studies, and less likely to interact with friends and family. In fact, young children are more sensitive. Their brains are still developing. They absorb what they see quickly, and it's also quickly impacted. The autoplay feature often causes one video to end as soon as another. This can lead to violent, scary, or risky content. Short videos lack context. One moment, laughter, and the next, a scary or sensitive scene. This transition can be very confusing for children.

Government and schools are now becoming cautious.

The good news is that this problem is now being taken seriously. In many countries, schools have been advised to teach children about digital safety and online awareness. Some schools are banning or restricting mobile phone use. Internationally, social media platforms are also being demanded to have child-safe settings, proper age verification, and protect children from harmful content.