Indulgence of Children and Adolescent in Digital Devices during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

Abstract

The COVID‑19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). As a measure to break the chain of transmission, the Government of Nepal has declared full phase lockdown with the shutdown of schools, restrictions on mass gathering, and public transportation and sealing of international borders. With the shutdown of the school and colleges, Children and adolescents are forced to spend most time indoors. Lack of physical activity, outdoor sports, and limited social interactions and the provision of digital learning has a rapid rise in screen time. Staying Indoor increases digital games among children and adolescents as there’s a ubiquitous leisure activity. Children and adolescents of this era are bingeing on digital stuff and this review reveals it has dramatically escalated during the lockdown period. Furthermore, it proclaims increased access to digital devices associated with various risks affecting their physical, mental and social well being. The unpredictable changes due to COVID-19 Pandemic has a great impact on children as they are adopting unhealthy behavior. This has highlighted the urge to focus on health and sensible strategies and manage screen time to improve quality of life.