India, June 19 -- Childhood isn't screen-free anymore, as children of all age groups are glued to screens. With excessive screen exposure, the process of mental and physical development may slow down or get disrupted. Dr Poonam Sidana, Director of Neonatology and Paediatrics at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, shared a detailed guide that highlights essential aspects such as mental health issues associated with high screen time and eye-friendly foods that should be included in the diet to protect vision. Constant online interaction or social media exposure can create pressure to conform and be constantly available, leading to mental strain. Particularly among teens, curated images on social media can distort self-image and lead to low self-esteem or eating disorders. Gaming and social media can trigger dopamine-driven rewards, leading to screen addiction and less motivation for real-life activities. Overuse of screens, especially before bed, is strongly linked to insomnia and poor sleep hygiene, which can worsen mood and attention. Overreliance on digital content can stunt emotional resilience, limiting children's ability to manage boredom, frustration, or disappointment without a screen. The screen-first world is taking a toll on vision, as well as mental and physical health. But parents can help guide them by imparting healthy digital habits, encouraging balanced screen use. Dr Rasika, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, says, "Follow the 20-20-20 rule: after every 20 minutes of screen use, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives the eye muscles a break and reduces strain. Encourage kids to spend more time outdoors. Natural light and focusing on distant objects help in healthy eye development. Limit recreational screen time. Set boundaries around mobile and gaming usage, especially before bedtime. Screens should be at eye level and at a safe distance."...