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Doha, Qatar: Excessive screen use during the summer holidays can disrupt children’s sleep, concentration and emotional wellbeing while replacing physical activity, creative play and face-to-face interaction, a pediatric medicine expert at Sidra Medicine has warned.
Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Ahmed Al Hammadi said the health impact of prolonged screen use extends beyond the time children spend on their devices, with the activities displaced by screens becoming an important concern.
“When families come into clinic worrying about devices, what we usually see is rarely just the screen in isolation—it’s what comes with it,” he told The Peninsula.
Children who spend long periods on phones, tablets, computers or gaming devices may experience eye strain, headaches and poor posture. More importantly, excessive screen use can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle by reducing opportunities for movement, creative activities and social interaction.
“The latest scientific evidence emphasizes that every hour spent scrolling is an hour stolen from physical movement, creative outlets, and face-to-face social contact with family and peers,” Dr. Al Hammadi said.
Late-night screen use can be particularly disruptive, affecting children’s natural sleep rhythm through both exposures to screen displays and the stimulating nature of interactive content.
According to Dr. Al Hammadi, this can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps the body prepare for sleep. “The brain is essentially tricked into thinking it is still daytime,” he said.
Poor or interrupted sleep can leave children more irritable, less able to concentrate and more likely to struggle with emotional self-regulation. Over a prolonged summer break, chronic sleep disruption can also affect memory, learning capacity and emotional resilience.
Parents can identify excessive screen use by watching for changes in behaviour and daily routines.
Warning signs include significant distress when a device is taken away, losing interest in hobbies a child previously enjoyed, withdrawing from family life and spending long periods indoors without physical activity.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, tired or strained eyes and a stiff neck may also indicate that screen habits need to be reassessed.
“When these habits begin to interfere with daily life or well-being, it’s time to recalibrate,” he said.
Rather than applying a fixed screen-time limit to every child, Dr. Al Hammadi recommended that parents consider the wider role media plays in their child’s life.
He highlighted the 5 C’s of media use: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out and Communication as a framework for helping families establish healthier digital habits.
The Child principle recognises that every child responds differently to media. A platform that helps one child explore music or art may have a different effect on another child.
Content is also critical. Parents should know what their children are watching and playing and guide them towards age-appropriate, positive and creative content, while being mindful of violent material, unrealistic beauty standards and negative role models.
The Calm principle focuses on the use of screens to relax or manage stress. While digital media can be one way for children to unwind, Dr. Al Hammadi said they should also develop other calming strategies, such as reading, talking with family members or being physically active.
Crowding Out means focusing not only on reducing screen time but also on restoring the activities screens may be replacing — from outdoor play and family meals to time with friends.
The final principle, Communication, calls on parents to keep an open and non-judgmental conversation with their children about media use.
“Talk with your kids about the media early and often. Ask questions, listen without judgment, and keep the conversation open,” he said.
He stressed that the 5 C’s are not intended to create rigid rules but to help families develop healthier routines.
“The 5 C’s aren’t about strict rules, they’re about balance, guiding habits, and strengthening family connections,” he said.
Dr. Al Hammadi said parents are more likely to succeed when they offer children appealing alternatives instead of simply taking devices away.
“Kids don’t need lectures; they need better offers,” he said.
Simple activities such as swimming, cycling, baking, drawing and other creative pursuits can encourage children to put down their devices. Summer camps, park playdates and family gatherings can further strengthen social interaction and resilience.
The goal, he said, is not to ban technology but to ensure that it does not take over the parts of childhood that are essential for healthy development.
“It’s not about banning technology, but ensuring enough movement, play, and human connection so screens don’t take over,” Dr. Al Hammadi said.
