ABSTRACT
Justification: Screen-based media have become an important part of human lifestyle. In view of their easy availability and increasing use in Indian children, and their excessive use being linked to physical, developmental and emotional problems, there is a need to develop guidelines related to ensure digital wellness and regulate screen time in infants, children, and adolescents. Objectives: To review the evidence related to effects of screen-based media and excessive screen time on children’s health; and to formulate recommendations for limiting screen time and ensuring digital wellness in Indian infants, children and adolescents. Process: An Expert Committee constituted by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), consisting of various stakeholders in private and public sector, reviewed the literature and existing guidelines. A detailed review document was circulated to the members, and the National consultative meet was held online on 26th March 2021 for a day-long deliberation on framing the guidelines. The consensus review and recommendations formulated by the Group were circulated to the participants and the guidelines were finalized. Conclusions: Very early exposure to screen-based media and excessive screen time (>1-2h/d) seems to be widely prevalent in Indian children. The Group recommends that children below 2 years age should not be exposed to any type of screen, whereas exposure should be limited to a maximum of one hour of supervised screen time per day for children 24-59 months age, and less than two hours per day for children 5-10 years age. Screen time must not replace other activities such as outdoor physical activities, sleep, family and peer interaction, studies, and skill development, which are necessary for overall health and development of the children and adolescents. Families should ensure a warm, nurturing, supportive, fun filled and secure environment at home, and monitor their children’s screen use to ensure that the content being watched is educational, ageappropriate and non-violent. Families, schools and pediatricians should be educated regarding the importance of recording screen exposure and digital wellness as a part of routine child health assessment, and detect any signs of cyberbullying or media addiction; and tackle it timely with expert consultation if needed.
ABSTRACT
Abstract@#In China, the prevalence of abnormal spinal curvature in children and adolescents is high, and the number of cases is increasing in recent years, which seriously threatens physical and mental health of children and adolescents. Prevention and control of abnormal spinal curvature in children and adolescents should be implemented in a systematic approach, requiring joint efforts of individuals, families, schools, medical institutions, as well as government agencies and society. In order to strengthen prevention and control against abnormal spinal curvature in children and adolescents, and to guide standardized and scientific implementation of comprehensive prevention and control measures, Technical Guide for Prevention and Control of Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Children and Adolescents (hereinafter referred to as the Guide) was compiled by the National Health Commission Disease Control Bureau of the PRC. The guide shows important guiding significance for carrying out national normative epidemiological investigation, screening and prevention and control of abnormal spinal curvature in children and adolescents. In order to improve the understanding of the Guide for public health professionals and those concerned about the prevention and control of spinal curvature abnormalities in children and adolescents, this paper illustrates background, significance and main contents of the Guide.