Asger Risom
Specialists Warn of a “Silent Crisis” as Excessive Screen Time Leads to Behavioral Disorders
A growing number of children are being treated for behavioral disorders linked to excessive screen exposure at very young ages, a condition specialists now refer to as virtual autism. As reported by Digi24, doctors warn that the phenomenon represents a silent crisis of modern childhood. While the condition is reversible through specialized therapy, recovery can take years.
Early and Prolonged Screen Time Damages Brain Development
Studies suggest that children under two should not be exposed to screens at all, and those between two and five years old should have no more than one hour per day. However, busy parents often rely on screens to keep children entertained, a decision that comes with serious consequences.
One mother explained, “He didn’t play or answer questions, he just sat for 4–5 hours a day on his tablet. If I tried to take it away, he became violent and refused to communicate.”
According to psychiatrist Dorina Oniță, many parents are shocked by the diagnosis. “They come concerned about delayed speech, only to realize their children spent 4–5 hours daily in front of screens from a very young age.”
This excessive exposure impacts brain areas responsible for learning, attention, impulse control, and empathy. Teachers observe these issues in school, too. Nicoleta Muntoiu, a primary school teacher, said, “These children lose focus easily and lack the patience to follow through with tasks.”
A Reversible Condition With Timely Intervention
Unlike congenital autism spectrum disorders, virtual autism can be reversed with prompt and sustained therapy. “The damage is severe, but with proper guidance and intervention, children can recover,” specialists emphasize.
The diagnosis highlights the urgent need for parents and educators to regulate screen time to avoid long-term developmental harm in young children.Specialists Warn of a “Silent Crisis” as Excessive Screen Time Leads to Behavioral Disorders