Prevalence and Severity of Digital Addiction among Middle School Children: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction

1. Definition & Prevalence:
Digital addiction is a compulsive, poorly controlled use of digital media/devices (internet, smartphones, social media, gaming), leading to psychological distress, social/academic impairment, and loss of self-regulation. Children are particularly vulnerable due to underdeveloped cognitive and emotional controls.

• Global prevalence (2022–2025): smartphone addiction ~27%, social media ~17%, Internet ~14%, gaming ~6%.

• In India, Internet addiction among students ranges ~20–41%; ~60% of children aged 5–16 show behaviors indicative of digital addiction.

• Males, older children, and those with higher access are at greater risk.

2. Brain Chemistry:

• Digital media triggers rapid, frequent dopamine release, creating strong reward loops.

• Children’s underdeveloped prefrontal cortex ("brakes") makes them prone to overuse, cravings, irritability, and aggression when disconnected.

3. Negative Impacts:

• Health: Sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, poor nutrition, increased anxiety/depression.

• Cognitive & Academic: Lower grades, reduced attention span, procrastination, educational burnout.

• Social & Emotional: Deception, conflict, preoccupation, relapse, and displacement of meaningful activities.

• Societal & Future: Rising healthcare costs, digital rehab industry, generational gaps, workplace burnout, social isolation, and performance pressure.

4. Core Criteria of Digital Addiction in Children:

1. Deception: Hiding digital use → academic decline, social dysfunction.

2. Conflict: Interpersonal tensions → family, peer, and academic conflicts.

3. Displacement: Screen time replaces essential activities → poor health, social skills, and role balance.

4. Problems: Measurable adverse effects on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains.

5. Preoccupation: Persistent thoughts about digital activities → academic and social impairments.

6. Relapse: Reverting to excessive use → repeated disruptions in routines, learning, and emotional regulation.

5. Interventions & Developments:

• Government policies (e.g., India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025).

• Dedicated research centers (e.g., AIIMS Delhi’s CAR-AB) and hospital clinics.

• Use of AI, predictive modeling, and parental involvement to monitor, prevent, and mitigate addiction.

• Digital literacy and parental guidance are key in moderating behaviors.

Conclusion

After analyzing the data it can be concluded that Digital addiction is highly prevalent among school-going children (Grades 4–7), with 54% at risk, and 46% already addicted at varying severity levels. Smartphones are the most widely used devices (87%), followed by gaming devices (51%), computers (38%), and laptops (24%). Post-COVID, the duration and intensity of device use increased significantly, particularly for smartphones and gaming. Core addiction symptoms most reported include withdrawal (50%), mood modification (51%), relapse (49%), and tolerance (48%), showing that multiple dimensions of dependency are present. Parents report behavioral concerns such as aggression, poor academic focus, reduced sleep, and preference for digital over outdoor play. Teachers observed declining academic performance,inattention, preoccupation with media, and changes in classroom behavior. Digital addiction has begun to affect functional performance: academics, social participation, routines, and mental well-being. There is an urgent need for school-based preventive and rehabilitative interventions, including awareness, structured routines, digital hygiene programs, and parent-teacher collaboration. Occupational therapists have a critical role in early screening, functional assessment, preventive programs, therapeutic interventions, and advocacy within school settings.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ishika N. Rewatkar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.