Social and Behavioural Changes in Children Due to Extended Use of Mobile Phones in India

  • Unique Paper ID: 210242
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 6
  • PageNo: 209-218
  • Abstract:
  • Digital technology and smartphones have significantly changed the lives of children in India. Affordable Internet and improved digital access have made mobile phones an everyday essential. These devices shape how children communicate, learn, and spend their free time by providing access to educational content, entertainment, and social networking. However, prolonged and unrestricted use may negatively affect social development, behaviour, and mental health (Yogesh et al., 2024). This study examined the impact of extended mobile phone use on children in India. Objective: This study aimed to assess the mental and social changes resulting from prolonged use, analyze the social and behavioral consequences of excessive screen time, and explore the roles of parents, educators, and decision-makers in supporting responsible use. Methodology: This study uses a descriptive-analytical research design based on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, books, government reports, and publications by organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Internet and Mobile Association of India. Thematic analysis detected key patterns in mobile phone use, behavioral changes, and social engagement. Findings: Results show that Prolonged mobile phone use was associated with heightened irritability, reduced attention span, digital dependence, and decreased participation in outdoor activities. Excessive time spent on digital devices may hinder cognitive development and scholastic concentration. Socially, children are shifting from face-to-face to virtual communication, which may limit the development of key skills, such as compassion and teamwork. Excessive use can also weaken family relationships and increase exposure to online risks, such as cyberbullying. The study shows that while mobile phones are essential to modern life, excessive use can harm children's social and behavioral development. Parental supervision, digital competence, and policy measures are important for encouraging balanced and responsible mobile phone use among children.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{210242,
        author = {Pranshu Kushwaha and Dr. Mohd. Hussain},
        title = {Social and Behavioural Changes in Children Due to Extended Use of Mobile Phones in India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {6},
        pages = {209-218},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=210242},
        abstract = {Digital technology and smartphones have significantly changed the lives of children in India. Affordable Internet and improved digital access have made mobile phones an everyday essential. These devices shape how children communicate, learn, and spend their free time by providing access to educational content, entertainment, and social networking. However, prolonged and unrestricted use may negatively affect social development, behaviour, and mental health (Yogesh et al., 2024). This study examined the impact of extended mobile phone use on children in India. Objective: This study aimed to assess the mental and social changes resulting from prolonged use, analyze the social and behavioral consequences of excessive screen time, and explore the roles of parents, educators, and decision-makers in supporting responsible use. Methodology: This study uses a descriptive-analytical research design based on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, books, government reports, and publications by organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Internet and Mobile Association of India. Thematic analysis detected key patterns in mobile phone use, behavioral changes, and social engagement. Findings: Results show that Prolonged mobile phone use was associated with heightened irritability, reduced attention span, digital dependence, and decreased participation in outdoor activities. Excessive time spent on digital devices may hinder cognitive development and scholastic concentration. Socially, children are shifting from face-to-face to virtual communication, which may limit the development of key skills, such as compassion and teamwork. Excessive use can also weaken family relationships and increase exposure to online risks, such as cyberbullying. The study shows that while mobile phones are essential to modern life, excessive use can harm children's social and behavioral development. Parental supervision, digital competence, and policy measures are important for encouraging balanced and responsible mobile phone use among children.},
        keywords = {Mobile phones, children, social behavior, screen time, digital exposure, India},
        month = {November},
        }

Cite This Article

Kushwaha, P., & Hussain, D. M. (2026). Social and Behavioural Changes in Children Due to Extended Use of Mobile Phones in India. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 13(6), 209–218.

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