UAE doctors and teachers are seeing more children with sleep problems, poor concentration and eye strain linked to excessive screen use. Specialists say school phone restrictions are only part of the solution. Keeping devices out of bedrooms, protecting family mealtimes and setting predictable screen limits can help children build healthier habits.

The details

Health professionals and educators in the UAE are warning that excessive screen exposure is becoming a growing concern for children's sleep, attention and behaviour.

Doctors interviewed by The National reported increases in problems associated with prolonged use of phones, tablets and other devices, especially late at night.

These include disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, eye strain and difficulties concentrating.

Research cited in the reporting found an association between heavy recreational screen use and poorer sleep and attention outcomes, although other factors can also influence children's development.

School leaders stressed that digital learning and passive entertainment should not be treated as equivalent activities.

A child using technology to learn, create or collaborate may have a different experience from one spending several hours consuming entertainment content.

Experts recommend setting consistent bedtime routines, keeping devices outside bedrooms overnight and protecting time for physical activity and family interaction.

Parents are also encouraged to model the behaviour they want children to adopt, including putting their own phones away during conversations.