Children in Bahrain have been grappling with the effects of a sharp rise in screen time over the past month, as classes moved online amid uncertainty linked to the regional conflict.
The shift has been compounded by increased use of digital devices for extracurricular activities, entertainment, assignments and university applications, particularly among teenagers.
The uncertainty of the US-Israel and Iran war, which began on February 28, pushed educational institutions to digitise their operations to ensure safety. A ceasefire was announced last week, following which some schools reverted to in-person sessions while others continue to function in a hybrid format.
Filipino expatriate Reid Huliganga from Britus International School, Isa Town, is currently attending online classes.
“I’ve been spending much more time online since everything began, especially following the news and chatting with friends to stay updated on the situation,” the 16-year-old from Juffair told the GDN.
“This is the last school year for us seniors and so, most of my classmates have been busy with college applications and finalising coursework while also taking exams online,” she added.
Dhyan
Dhyan Shaji from Zinj, who is studying software development and coding, was already spending a considerable amount of time on his computer. The shift to online classes has added to his screen time.
“My screen time now spans the full day, from attending virtual lessons in the morning to working on personal projects in the evening,” noted the 17-year-old, who attends the Indian School Bahrain, Isa Town.
“Attending school used to provide a break. Now, the lines between classes, learning independently, and recreation have all blurred into one continuous screen experience,” explained the Indian expatriate, who will return to his classroom next month.
While completely eliminating screen use is impractical, particularly for teenagers, families with young children are seeking to navigate this stage by managing it more thoughtfully.
“Along with virtual classes, extracurricular activities online makes screen time compulsory. We have also become more lenient with cartoons and TV shows when she gets bored,” accountant Avinash Balan from Mahooz said.
Seven-year-old Ruhaani Avinash attends Sacred Heart School and is presently attending online classes, which forced the family to come up with ideas to limit screen time. “We try to think out-of-the-box to entertain her and take regular walks around the neighbourhood. We also play board games, which strengthens our bond,” added Mr Balan.
Bahraini mum-of-two Sara Hesari from Muharraq noted that she used to allow screens on weekends but not now unless there is an assignment or a test on Sunday.
“Instead, we read after school hours and play games. The girls also practise their piano lessons and we have had family and friends over for playdates,” she added. Her daughters Al Reem, nine, and Al Maha Alansari, eight, attend Busaiteen Primary Girls School.
The Alansari sisters
Malaysian expatriate Jocelyn Koay keeps her children engaged with crafts, small home projects like redecorating, and time outdoors in the garden with their pets.
“We go to parks and playgrounds whenever possible to maintain some sense of normality rather than keeping them indoors all the time,” said the Shahkhura resident. “Playdates with classmates and friends provides social interaction, and also allows parents a bit of breathing space, especially when juggling work from home. As a small business owner, the situation has slowed things down significantly, so I’ve had more time at home with the kids,” added the mother-of-two.
Ms Koay with her daughter Marlie and her pet Chef
Psychologist and founder of The Child and Family Foundation Centre Dr Mariam Alammadi said that online classes already place significant demands on children’s time and attention, making it even more important to be intentional about the rest of their screen use, rather than attempting to eliminate it entirely.
“One simple adjustment I often recommend is shifting from handheld devices to larger screens, like televisions, whenever possible. From a clinical perspective, prolonged close-up use of phones and tablets is associated with increased eyestrain, visual fatigue, and difficulty disengaging. Larger screens naturally create more distance, which is less demanding on the eyes and often more regulating for the child,” she said.
Dr Alammadi
“I also encourage parents to focus on the type of content, not just the duration. Research shows that fast-paced, highly stimulating content can overwhelm attention and increase irritability, especially in children who are already under stress. In contrast, slower, predictable, and emotionally safe content is much more regulating.”
Prolonged screen exposure can also affect posture due to extended periods of inactivity and bending one’s neck over devices like iPads and phones.
Al Hilal Hospital, Muharraq, physiotherapist in-charge Sreejith Bhaskaran advised replacing sedentary habits with movement, better routines, and a healthier physical environment.
Physiotherapist Bhaskaran
“The goal is to protect posture, promote movement, and build lifelong body awareness rather than only restricting screens. This helps counter risks like poor posture and early musculoskeletal strain,” he added.
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