Patna: In an age where screens dominate daily life, a new report has raised serious concerns about growing digital dependency among young children in Bihar. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has revealed alarming data showing that a large number of schoolchildren are spending excessive time on tablets and mobile devices.
According to the report, 37% of children aged 5 to 7 and 49% of those aged 8 to 11 studying in CBSE-affiliated schools in Muzaffarpur own a tablet. Among them, 66% of children in the 8–11 age group regularly play online games, while 12% reportedly access restricted or age-inappropriate websites.
The findings, shared by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) with CBSE schools, have prompted the board to issue fresh guidelines for parents and teachers to manage children’s screen exposure and ensure digital safety.
The IAMAI report further highlights the extent of gaming addiction among children, with 62% of those aged 5 to 7 playing online games for more than six hours per week. The figure rises sharply to 79% among 8–11-year-olds, many of whom also sleep with their mobile phones—a habit reported by 45% of the surveyed children.
In response, CBSE has recommended that schools conduct awareness sessions on cybersecurity and that parents take a more active role in supervising their children’s digital use. The board’s advisory includes urging parents not to share passwords with children, to educate them about online grooming and cyberbullying, and to keep phones away during meals and bedtime.
Educators and cybersecurity experts warn that early and prolonged exposure to screens can have lasting effects on children’s attention, behaviour, and emotional well-being. With the rise in online gaming and social interaction, the report underscores the urgent need for balanced digital habits at home and in schools alike.
