In a world where technology and social media dominate nearly every aspect of life, it is crucial to recognize both their benefits and limitations. People of all age groups use digital platforms for various purposes, but this adoption also comes with challenges, particularly in parenting.
Rama Poudel from Kathmandu shared how digital technology has impacted parenting styles. Poudel said, “Children have access to smartphones and the internet at an early age, so we parents should learn how to monitor what they are doing.”
According to DataReportal, Nepal had 39m mobile connections in early 2025. While some of these connections only include services like SMS and voice calls, this figure indicates that mobile devices have become widespread, and it is likely that many children have access to a phone.
When asked about his daily screen time, an eighth grader said, “I sometimes use my phone for three to four hours a day.” His response underscores the growing responsibility that parents have in safeguarding their children’s well-being.
According to UNESCO, excessive use of mobile phones can negatively impact learning. Beyond academics, prolonged screen time also affects the overall holistic development of a child.
Sunika Joshi, mental health expert, noted that while technology is advancing rapidly, public awareness of its harm remains limited. “There’s a huge gap between the users' knowledge and effective ways to mitigate the impact of technology,” she said. ”It is essential to understand its pros and cons of technology.”
Sima Karki, a school counsellor, has observed a noticeable change in students’ behaviour. “They can’t focus on a specific topic for a long time as they have the frequent habit of watching short videos,” she said. “I think this is an alarming trend that could disrupt children’s ability to concentrate.”
Digital device use among kids also impacts their physical and mental health. Joshi said that children who spend excessive time on electronic gadgets face several challenges, such as irritability, behavioural problems, lack of concentration, memory issues, and social difficulties. “Children learn through human interaction and observation, but when confined to information from mobile devices, they miss out on vital face-to-face experiences,” she said.
According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health by researchers from the World Health Organization and academic partners, nearly one-third (31 percent) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8bn people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. The figure has increased by around 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022.
This result shows that due to a lack of physical activity, many people are at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the Asia Pacific region, followed by South Asia.
Similarly, these patterns also affect children, many of whom spend more time on phones and less time being physically active. Joshi warned that a sedentary routine can lead to anxiety and depression.
“Children should be outdoors playing,” she said. “But trapped behind the screen, they are likely to experience several health and mental issues.”
Understanding this phenomenon of digital dependence and use, some parents have tried to adopt a healthier practice for their children. Kripa Rai, a parent from Kathmandu, said she tries to spend time with her eight-year-old son, helping him with his homework, and involve him in minor household activities.
“It is a way to limit his screen time and engage him in activities that help him learn practical skills,” said Rai. “This has also helped strengthen our relationship.”
According to UNICEF, children can learn best when they feel safe and nurtured. So, a proper and supportive connection is pivotal for a child’s brain development and confidence building.
Joshi said mobile phones often serve as a conduit to escape reality for children facing family conflict. “Their favourite hobby should be discovered beyond the screen,” she advised. “Parents must be accountable for their children’s welfare and seek solutions.”
Parents should gradually introduce limits—such as setting thirty minutes of phone use and encouraging an hour of reading—to build their children’s discipline. Physical activity remains equally important. At home, children can engage in stretching or simple exercise movement activities, as the body needs to stay fit and calm.
It is the parents who have the vital role in guiding how their children spend their time, especially in an age dominated by technology. The guidance they provide can serve as a model for cultivating healthy habits. By modelling healthy habits, nurturing relationships, and encouraging activities like journaling, art, craft, painting, and creative works, parents can help children thrive in a world that is both digital and real.
“Social media life and social life must be kept separate, and maintaining a balanced relationship between them is most essential,” said Joshi.
