Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Children’s Screen Time

New Delhi, August 20, 2026 The Supreme Court has voiced concern over children spending increasing amounts of time on mobile phones and other electronic devices, stressing that physical activity has become essential for their healthy development. The observation came during a hearing on a public interest litigation seeking to recognise sports as a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Constitution. The court-appointed amicus curiae suggested that physical activity should be made compulsory in every school. The Supreme Court has sought the petitioner’s response to the amicus report, and the matter is scheduled to be heard next on September 22. The petition was filed by Dr Kanishka Pandey, president of the NGO Sports: A Way of Life and a sports researcher. The plea urges the Centre and state governments not to treat education and sports differently. It also seeks to make sports a compulsory part of the curriculum from nursery to the postgraduate level and calls for a fixed portion of school budgets to be allocated to sports activities. During an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Central government seeking its response. The court’s remarks highlight the growing concern around excessive screen exposure among children and the need to give sports equal importance in schools. Excessive use of mobile phones, television and tablets can affect children’s mental, physical and language development, while experts recommend no screen time for children below two years of age and limited exposure for older children. The case has once again brought attention to the need for a healthier balance between technology, education and physical activity.