U.S. President Donald Trump issues a serious warning to the Iranian regime (AP Photo)
Amid Middle East chaos, U.S. president Donald Trump On Friday, he renewed his strong voice against the hostile Iranian regime and issued a near-declaratory warning against what he called “crazy scumbags.” Referring to the massive U.S. military campaign against the Islamic Republic, he said Washington was carrying out strikes to “destroy Iran’s terrorist regime” militarily, economically and otherwise, while also sharply deriding The New York Times’ “failed” reporting on the war.Confident in the “unparalleled” strength of the US military and claiming great success in his campaign against Tehran’s establishment, Donald Trump delivered a typically forthright message on The Truth Society. “We are in the process of utterly destroying Iran’s terrorist regime militarily, economically and otherwise, yet if you read The Failed New York Times, you would mistakenly believe we are not winning,” he declared in the post. He lashed out at the New York Times, adding that Iran’s “navy is gone and its air force no longer exists,” while its missiles, drones and other capabilities are steadily “diminishing” and its key leaders are “disappearing from the face of the earth.”
Do you support President Trump’s tough stance on Iran?
While praising U.S. troops, Trump struck a triumphant tone and issued a stern warning to Iran’s center of power, hinting at the possibility of further action under the country’s new leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We have unmatched firepower, unlimited ammunition and plenty of time – look what will happen to these crazy scumbags today,” he wrote. He added: “For 47 years they have been killing innocent people around the world, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What an honor to be able to do that!”Meanwhile, reports from the ongoing Middle East conflict indicate that Iran may attempt to attack the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Tehran also claimed responsibility for shooting down another U.S. plane during a refueling mission, although Washington called the incident an accident. Trump, who has long maintained a tough stance on Iran, used the opportunity to step up his warnings to the leadership of the Islamic Republic.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Friday that the United States was “totally destroying” Iran’s leadership and military capabilities, saying Tehran had been defeated militarily, economically and otherwise.
President Donald Trump also threatened further action against the “terrorist regime in Iran.” (Associated Press)
He claimed that Iran’s navy and air force had been eliminated and its missiles and drones “destroyed.” In the post, Trump said the United States had “unparalleled firepower” and warned of further action against what he called the “terrorist regime in Iran.”
“Iran’s navy is gone, their air force is non-existent, missiles, drones and everything else have been destroyed, and their leader has disappeared from the face of the earth,” he wrote.
The US president said the US military had “unparalleled firepower” and “unlimited ammunition” and warned further action against Tehran was possible.
Trump also lashed out at some media outlets, specifically new york timeswho accused the report of inaccurately describing the situation. He said media coverage could create the impression that the United States was not “winning” the conflict.
In the same message, Trump mentioned Iran’s alleged role in violence around the world over the past four decades and said it was a “tremendous honor” to confront the country as the 47th president of the United States.
“We have enough time – see what will happen to these crazy scumbags today. For 47 years they have been killing innocent people around the world and now, I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What an honor to be able to do this!” he said in the post.
The comments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, a conflict that has stoked global concerns about a widening crisis in West Asia.
When summer temperatures begin to climb, cooling larger rooms becomes a challenge for many homes. For spaces that require stronger cooling output, 2-ton capacity air conditioners are often chosen. These models are designed to manage heat in larger rooms while controlling power consumption through inverter technology and energy-saving modes.
As temperatures rise, the 2-ton air conditioner helps cool larger rooms while efficiently managing power consumption. (generated by artificial intelligence)
Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and senior content producer at HT Tech, where he transforms the fast-paced world of consumer tech, gaming and artificial intelligence into stories that inspire curiosity and connection. Always on the lookout for the next big trend, he believes technology should be as relevant as your everyday conversations. When he’s not decoding gadgets and innovations, you’ll likely find him hopping between cities, chasing new adventures and feasting on cuisine that tells its own story.
Some manufacturers offer 2-ton air conditioners with features such as switchable cooling modes, temperature sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity and dehumidification. Many models also include copper condenser coils, stabilizer-less operation, and filters designed to improve indoor air quality. These systems are usually chosen in areas where summer temperatures can reach 45 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Here are some 2 ton AC options available from different brands.
Panasonic’s 2-ton split air conditioner uses a variable frequency compressor that can adjust the cooling output according to the heat load of the room. The unit includes a switchable feature with seven cooling modes, allowing users to control capacity between lower and higher cooling levels.
It provides airflow up to 720 CFM and supports cooling operation up to 55 degrees Celsius. The four-way swing helps distribute air throughout the room. This model supports Wi-Fi connectivity and operates without an external stabilizer.
This Blue Star split air conditioner uses sensors to detect indoor and outdoor temperature conditions and adjust cooling accordingly. The system includes a four-way swing that moves air horizontally and vertically to reach different parts of the room.
The AC includes corrosion-resistant blue fins to reduce damage from moisture and dust. It also supports voice-based control and includes anti-spill and anti-rust protection.
Godrej 2 Ton Inverter Split Air Conditioner features i-Sense technology which reads the temperature around the user through a remote control sensor and adjusts the cooling accordingly.
The unit is self-cleaning and designed to remove moisture from indoor units to reduce the build-up of microorganisms. It can operate in outdoor temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius and includes system alarms to notify users of potential maintenance issues.
Carrier’s 2-ton Flexicool split air conditioner uses a variable speed inverter compressor to adjust power consumption according to room temperature. The unit includes a six-in-one conversion mode that allows users to modify cooling capabilities to reduce power consumption.
This air conditioner is made with copper condenser coils and anti-corrosion coating. It provides a cooling capacity of approximately 6000 watts, up to approximately 6580 watts. This model also supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
This Blue Star model is designed for rooms from 151 to 200 square feet. It includes 2D air swing technology and five switchable cooling modes.
The air conditioner produces up to 576 CFM of airflow and can operate in ambient temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius. Includes turbo mode to quickly lower room temperature. The unit is protected with a copper condenser coil with a blue fin coating.
The O-General 2-ton inverter split air conditioner uses a high-temperature rotary compressor and is designed to operate at temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius.
The unit features Coanda Airflow technology, which distributes air throughout the room. It also has an antimicrobial filter that reduces dust and particles in indoor air. Copper condenser coils support long-term operation with low maintenance requirements.
Lloyd split air conditioners include an air-cooled electric control box, allowing the system to continue operating at outdoor temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius.
The unit offers 12 meters of range and four-way swing airflow control. It includes a five-in-one conversion mode that allows users to adjust the cooling capacity. Other features include turbine cooling, stabilizer-less operation, low gas detection and filter cleaning alarms.
Blue Star also offers 2-ton window air conditioners with turbo cooling designed to quickly lower room temperatures. The system includes an eco mode that adjusts compressor performance to save electricity.
The unit features copper condenser coils and anti-corrosion blue fins. Other features include auto-restart, humidity control, sleep mode and self-diagnostics.
Haier 2 ton window air conditioner is designed to operate at temperatures up to 54 degrees Celsius. It includes a micro antimicrobial filter and a fluted copper condenser coil.
Side airflow with automatic oscillation distributes cool air throughout the room. This model also includes Eco Mode, Turbo Cooling and Quiet Mode to reduce operating noise.
Carrier’s 2-ton window air conditioner includes a four-layer filtration system including dust filter, electric filter, carbon filter, and zeolite filter. These filters help reduce dust particles, odors, and air pollutants.
The unit includes automatic oscillating airflow, energy saving mode and sleep mode to manage power usage. Features like self-diagnostics and easy cleaning help users identify maintenance needs. The air conditioner can be operated using a remote control and generates a noise level of approximately 52 decibels.
5 Main Factors to Consider Before Buying a 2 Ton Air Conditioner
1. Room area and cooling capacity
2-ton air conditioners are generally suitable for larger rooms. Buyers should check room size before selecting capacity. A 2-ton air conditioner is typically suitable for rooms between 200 and 300 square feet, depending on ceiling height, insulation, and heating conditions.
2. Energy Rating
Energy efficiency plays a key role in long-term electricity consumption. AC models with a 5-star rating consume less power than devices with lower ratings. Checking the BEE energy rating can help buyers estimate running costs.
3. Inverter technology
Inverter air conditioners adjust the compressor speed based on cooling demand. This helps maintain stable temperatures and reduces power consumption. Many 2-ton models now include convertible inverter modes, allowing the user to vary cooling capacity.
4. Cooling characteristics and airflow
Features such as turbine cooling, multi-directional air oscillation, dehumidification and temperature sensors improve cooling distribution. High airflow capabilities help cool large spaces faster and more evenly.
5. Build quality and maintenance
Air conditioners with copper condenser coils generally require less maintenance and support better heat transfer. Buyers should also check for features such as anti-corrosion coatings, self-cleaning technology, filter alarms and stabilizer-free operation.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday released body camera video showing a coordinated strike on infrastructure linked to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.The strikes were carried out in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Debris from a command center used by Hezbollah operatives can be seen scattered around the site, with smoke billowing from Israeli troops firing shots during the operation, according to a video shared by the Israel Defense Forces.The IDF said in a post on X that its forces were continuing operations near the border to ensure the safety of civilians in northern Israel.“The Israel Defense Forces continue to maintain a forward defense posture to protect the population of northern Israel. Over the past week, our forces have conducted targeted nighttime operations in southern Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure,” the Israeli military wrote.Several Hezbollah command centers were attacked, where the militants allegedly launched and planned attacks against Israel and its civilians, according to an IDF spokesman.The Israel Defense Forces claimed in a statement that Hezbollah was embedding its infrastructure in civilian areas across Lebanon, calling it a tactic that endangers civilians, state-run Israel National News reported. “A number of measures were taken before the attack to minimize the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warning, the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance,” the IDF said.“The Israel Defense Forces are resolutely combating the Hezbollah terrorist organization following its deliberate decision to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime. The Israel Defense Forces will not tolerate any harm to residents of the State of Israel. ” the statement added.Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said an overnight operation by its air force eliminated Ali Muslim Tabaja, a commander linked to the Imam Hussein division.The IDF also said it eliminated the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan forces in southern Lebanon.According to the military, more than 100 militants have been killed so far, while more than 60 Radwan Force command and control centers have been dismantled in ongoing operations.
A viral video circulating on social media claims that controversial streamer Rangesh “N3on” Mutama, better known online as Neon, was arrested while trying to enter O’Block. chicago. However, the video sparked widespread skepticism among viewers, many of whom believed the incident appeared to be staged.
Neon streams on platforms like Kick and is known for provocative live streams and viral stunts. (Screenshot from a video posted by @FearedBuck on X)
The video was shared on X by user FearBuck, who wrote: “Neon was just arrested while trying to get into O’Block,” and appeared to show several people confronting the streamer.
In the video, people in dark uniforms can be heard shouting “get out” at Neon. As they prepared to detain him, the anchor repeatedly questioned the situation.
Some users claimed that the situation looked scripted and suggested that the streamer orchestrated the scene.
“For the kids who don’t know, this is staged. He arranged this with actors and paid them to do it. You click, share, and get scared and he makes money. Stop,” one commenter wrote.
Others noted what they believed to be inconsistencies in the uniforms worn by those seen in the video.
“He didn’t even try to make it look like a real uniform,” one user commented. Another added: “This is fake. None of them.” uniform Is it a police uniform or a police officer? They are all security guards. “
Some users claiming to be from Chicago also questioned the authenticity of the video.
“I live in Chicago. This is the fakest thing I’ve ever seen,” one comment read, while another said, “Fake as hell, that was a security guard not a police officer.”
There has been no independent confirmation that an arrest occurred in the area shown in the video.
neonLive-streaming on platforms such as Kick, he is known for his provocative live streams and viral stunts that often spark online debate.
Saaniya Chandhok and Arjun Tendulkar (Photo source: Sara’s Instagram post)
New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar on Thursday shared a heartfelt message to her brother Arjun Tendulkar and his wife Saaniya Chandhok, days after their glamorous wedding in Mumbai.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Sarah posted unseen photos from the wedding festivities on Instagram, giving fans a rare glimpse into the intimate moments from the wedding. One of the pictures shows a smiling Arjun performing the traditional ritual of applying Sindoor on Saaniya, marking a crucial moment of the wedding.“My little brother now belongs to @saaniyachandhok. May the universe shower you both with endless blessings, abundance, everything your hearts desire and of course protect you from Nazar for the rest of your life,” Sara wrote in the emotional caption.In another affectionate message, she added, “Thank you @arjuntendulkar24 for giving me a sistaaaa”, much to the delight of her fans who flooded the comments with congratulations. The wedding took place at the luxurious St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai and turned out to be a star-studded affair with big names from cricket, film and business in attendance.Notable guests included India head coach Gautam Gambhir, former captains MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid, IC chairman Jay Shah, Harbhajan Singh and commentator Harsha Bhogle. Bollywood icons include Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan Aamir Khan, business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and their families were also present.Saaniya is the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai of Graviss Group. Arjun currently plays domestic cricket for Goa.
For a full list of matches, venues and times, check out the full IPL 2026 Scheduleschedule and match dates for each team.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a core part of modern laptops, delivering smarter features, faster workflows, and more efficient performance. From AI-assisted photo editing to smart productivity tools, many new laptops now come with specialized hardware designed to accelerate these tasks directly on the device.
Several powerful AI-powered laptops are now available, and prices have dropped significantly.
For the past seven years, I’ve tracked consumer technology through the constant changes in hardware, platforms, and the way people actually use their devices. Covering everything from budget gear to flagship hardware, I focus on what readers need to know, not buzzwords or release cycle hype. My expertise spans gaming laptops and gaming chairs, high-performance computers, gaming monitors, printers, smartwatches, headphones, headsets, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, and more, with a special focus on how these products perform in daily use. Reviews, explainers, buying guides, and news stories all have a common goal: to provide readers with enough detail to make a confident decision rather than wading through nonsense. Outside of deadlines, I spend a lot of time playing games, watching movies, and anime, which naturally flows into work. Performance, comfort, display quality and sound are judged on how players and viewers experience it, not just lab data, which grounds my coverage in real-life scenarios, not just benchmarks.
Several popular AI laptops have also seen significant price cuts recently, making them more accessible to buyers planning to upgrade. These machines typically feature modern processors with dedicated AI engines, greater battery efficiency, and strong overall performance for creative work, productivity, and everyday use. In this guide, we highlight some of the best affordable AI laptops available right now, helping you find a powerful system that combines advanced technology with better value.
The Acer Aspire Go 14 is an affordable AI-powered laptop for students and everyday productivity users. The laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor with built-in AI acceleration and provides reliable multitasking performance with 16GB DDR5 memory. Its 14-inch WUXGA IPS display offers good viewing angles and a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it suitable for productivity tasks such as browsing, office work, and coding. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11, Microsoft Office and has a lightweight design for those who want an affordable AI laptop for daily computing and work.
Each product review is clearly listed Advantages and Disadvantagesgiving you a balanced view.
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HP OmniBook 3 is designed as an entry-level AI laptop powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 processor. It comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD, which is suitable for daily productivity, multitasking, and basic creative work. The 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display provides a comfortable viewing experience for long working hours. Featuring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a full-size backlit keyboard, and a privacy shutter camera, it’s aimed at professionals and students who want an affordable AI-powered laptop with reliable performance and modern connectivity features.
HP OmniBook 5 OLED is a new generation AI laptop powered by Snapdragon X processor, designed for efficient performance and long battery life. Its 16-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors, high contrast and wide color coverage, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative work. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6E and USB-C ports for fast connectivity. With a slim design and integrated AI capabilities, it’s designed to deliver powerful productivity and smooth multitasking for professionals and creators.
ASUS Gaming V16 is designed for users who need powerful gaming performance, content creation, and demanding workloads. The laptop is powered by Intel Core 5 210H processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics card, which can handle modern games and GPU-intensive applications. The 16-inch WUXGA display has a 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals during gaming. Equipped with DDR5 memory and a fast SSD, this laptop is designed to balance gaming performance and productivity.
ASUS Vivobook S14 is a modern AI laptop designed for productivity and portability. It is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 processor with an integrated AI engine of up to 50 TOPS, supporting AI accelerated applications and Copilot functionality in Windows. The laptop features a vibrant OLED display with wide color coverage, suitable for creative tasks and media consumption. With its lightweight metal design, long battery life, and fast connectivity, it’s aimed at professionals and students who need a powerful yet portable device.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is designed for users who need reliable performance to increase their daily productivity. It comes with a powerful 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking across multiple applications. The 15.3-inch WUXGA IPS display provides a comfortable viewing experience for work and entertainment. It comes with Dolby optimized speakers and a privacy shutter webcam, and is aimed at professionals, students, and remote workers who need a balanced laptop to handle their daily tasks.
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is designed for gamers and power users who demand powerful performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, the laptop can handle modern gaming, video editing, and other demanding workloads. The 15.6-inch display has a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Its durable design and upgradable RAM make it suitable for long-term gaming use.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 is an AI-enabled premium ultrabook designed for portability and performance. It’s powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in AI acceleration, enabling modern AI features in Windows and productivity apps. The 14-inch OLED display offers excellent color accuracy and HDR support, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption. It features Dolby Atmos speakers and a lightweight design, targeting professionals looking for a powerful yet portable laptop.
Specification
processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
exhibit
14-inch OLED WUXGA
graphics
Integrated Intel Arc
ASUS Zenbook 14 is a premium Ultrabook designed for portability and advanced AI computing. It features AMD Ryzen AI processors, which include an integrated NPU to accelerate AI workloads. The laptop features a stunning 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. Its thin and lightweight aluminum design makes it highly portable while still delivering powerful performance for multitasking and creative applications.
The Dell 14 AI laptop is built for productivity and AI-accelerated computing. It is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor, which combines powerful multi-core performance with efficient AI processing. The laptop features a 14-inch FHD+ display and integrated Radeon graphics, making it suitable for daily productivity and light creative tasks. Equipped with 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 1TB SSD, it provides fast performance and large storage capacity for professionals and students.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
graphics
AMD Radeon integration
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said Tehran has no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, sounding a more cautious tone after the country’s newly appointed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strategic waterway could be used as leverage.Amir Saeed Ilawani told reporters at the United Nations on Thursday that Iran would not block the vital shipping route but stressed that the country had the right to ensure its security, Reuters reported.
UN Security Council showdown: Iran envoy blasts US Arab allies as ‘cowards’ amid fierce clashes over Middle East attacks
“We will not close the Strait of Hormuz,” Irawani said. “But it is our inherent right to maintain peace and security in this waterway.”His comments came after Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said earlier on Thursday that “the means of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”Iran remains committed to abiding by international maritime law, Iravani said in a prepared statement read to reporters before taking questions.“Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea,” he said.However, he blamed rising tensions in the region on U.S. actions.However, the current regional situation, including the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran’s legitimate exercise of its right to self-defense, but the direct result of the United States’ destabilizing actions such as aggression against Iran and undermining regional security.The comments come amid rising tensions in the region following ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States.When asked about comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, who told Sky News that the US Navy could join the international coalition in escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz if militarily feasible, Ilawani said he had no response, Reuters reported.The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway cone
On March 10, 2026, Manisha of the Indian team scored during the match between the Indian team and the Chinese Taipei team in the 2026 Australian Women’s Asian Cup at the Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
New Delhi: GMR Sports has expressed interest in the commercial rights tender floated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the men’s and women’s football club competitions. FanCode and Capri Sports (part of Capri Global) are two other parties that have shown interest in the proposed 15+5 year commercial rights cycle.It is reported that Capri Sports is interested in the women’s event offered by AIFF.
“Indian cricket is no less than Bollywood abroad” | Mumbai Sports Exchange Center
AIFF hopes to sell the commercial rights to the competition for at least 15 years. If the bidder agrees, it can be extended to 20 years.Commercial rights are part of AIFF Vision 2047 and include two packages: Package A (indian premier league and Confederation Cup) and Package B (Indian Women’s League, Indian Women’s League 2 and possibly Women’s Confederation Cup).GMR Sports is involved in multiple sports properties: Delhi Capitals (IPL franchise), Dubai Capitals (ILT20 franchise), India Capitals (Legends Cricket League franchise), UP Yoddhas (Pro Kabaddi League franchise), Telugu Yoddhas (Kho Kho franchise), Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket franchise), Southern Brave (Top 100 franchise), Hampshire Cricket, Utilita Bowl Stadium and Premier League rugby league.After the request for proposals (RFP) was issued on March 2, interested parties were required to pay Rs 2.50 lakh for the tender documents. Interested parties subsequently attended a pre-bid meeting on March 11.The last date for submission of bids is March 19 and bids (technical and commercial) will be opened on March 20.AIFF had previously tried to sell the commercial rights in November, but there were no takers. However, this comes against a backdrop of uncertainty related to the ISL, which finally launched on February 14 after a five-month delay.
Which company do you think will win AIFF’s commercial rights tender?
The 2025-26 ISL season is currently underway in a shortened format and requires the intervention of the sports minister to get things going smoothly. All 14 teams have agreed to participate in the season, which will feature 91 home and away games.Earlier, the global broadcast rights of ISL were sold to FanCode for Rs 862 crore, which further sub-licensed it to Sony Sports Network. Meanwhile, Kaleidoscope Productions and Services (KPS Studios) acquired global and domestic production rights.
For a full list of matches, venues and times, check out the full IPL 2026 Scheduleschedule and match dates for each team.
New study highlights how Indian children are outperforming the world Screen time guidecan have lasting effects on health and cognitive abilitiesMultiple screens have become an integral part of children’s lives. But is it safe for young teens to spend so much time on screens? Existing findings suggest that while devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions can aid learning, their overuse can lead to adverse health and developmental outcomes.A recent study* published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry examined children and adolescents with mental disorders to assess their screen usage habits. The findings are shocking: the average screen time is 3.1 hours per day. Importantly, two-thirds of the 212 study participants (average age 13 years) exceeded recommended screen time limits set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The guidelines recommend no screen time for children under two years old (except for video calls), no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged two to four years old, and no more than two hours of screen time per day for children five years and older.
The study showed that among the 212 children and teenagers who participated in the study, television (66%) and mobile phones (70.3%) were the most commonly used devices. Alarmingly, according to the DSM-5 Internet Gaming Disorder criteria, 22.2% of children meet criteria for screen media addiction. DSM-5 is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a guide used by researchers to diagnose, classify, and treat mental health disorders.Addiction is more common among boys, boys in joint or extended families, and children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or disruptive disorders.Excessive screen use can lead to obesity, sedentary behavior, poor eating habits and disrupted sleep. Cognitively, prolonged exposure can impair language development, executive functioning, and emerging literacy skills. Research has even shown that preschoolers who are frequently exposed to screens experience changes in brain structure, specifically affecting white matter tracts (which serve as the brain’s communication network) that are critical for learning and communication.Psychologically, children who are addicted to screen media often exhibit deception (sneaking or lying about using a device), preoccupation, withdrawal symptoms, and intrafamily conflict. Screen use can also interfere with friendships and family activities while increasing the likelihood of cyberbullying, unsafe online content and negative emotional states.The study highlights the urgent need for parental awareness and supervision. Parents often allow their children with neurodevelopmental disorders to have extra screen time as a coping mechanism, but this can lead to more problems. In a joint family setting, inconsistent parenting rules may further exacerbate this problem.In summary, screen media use by children is not inherently harmful, but excessive and unregulated use can pose significant risks to physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. With nearly a quarter of children receiving psychiatric care showing signs of addiction, routine assessment of screen habits and strict adherence to recommended guidelines are important steps to protect the next generation.(*Problems in the use of screen media among children and adolescents attending child and adolescent psychiatric services in tertiary care centers in northern India, by Venkatesh Raju, Akhilesh Sharma, Ruchita Shah, Ravikanth Tangella, Sana Devi Yumnam, Jyoti Singh, Jaivinder Yadav and Sandeep Grover)
