The ever-increasing use of mobile phones, laptops, and TVs is putting city youngsters at risk of health issues later in life due to sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition.
Experts say conditions like back pain and spinal injuries are becoming increasingly commonplace as young people spend hours scrolling through social media and playing games with little or no concern for the hazards they may be exposing themselves to.
Psychologists say social media addictions are known to cause behavioural changes due to the unrealistic aspirations that social media promotes.
They recount a number of incidents where juveniles confirmed that their acts of delinquency were inspired by social media, which egged them on to seek a better lifestyle.
Yoga instructor at Makhanlal Chaturvedi Journalism and Mass Communication University, Devendra Singh, says poor routines and unhealthy eating habits are causing a rise in diseases such as depression and anxiety.
He advocates for incorporating yoga into daily life, emphasising that practices like pranayama can help alleviate several health problems. “People should adopt yoga as part of their daily routine to overcome these challenges,” Sharma said.
He mentioned a rise in cases of cervical spondylitis and lumbar spondylitis in spine-related issues.
Gopal Goyal, senior physiotherapist, has started noticing a drastic increase in such cases among youth. He warned that the prolonged use of painkillers, which are usually prescribed to treat these conditions, may be harmful. However, he recommends treatments like electrotherapy and massage—which have no side effects—as more effective alternatives. Goyal also advocates personalised exercise routines to help manage these conditions.
Gym trainer Aamir Khan says many of his students spend extended hours in front of screens, leading to poor posture and back pain. He advises dedicating at least one hour to physical activity each day.
“If you don’t want to go to the gym, you can walk, run, or play a sport to stay active and healthy,” he recommends.
As sedentary lifestyles become more prevalent in Bhopal, both mental and physical health experts are urging youngsters to kick social media and gaming addictions and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines for a healthier future.
