Ministry warns against online classes for children aged 3–5

14 March 2026 03:30 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged parents and other relevant parties to refrain from conducting online education classes for children between the ages of three and five.

The ministry said that health and child development experts have raised concerns that excessive screen time among children in this age group can seriously hinder their psychosocial development.

According to experts, prolonged exposure to screens may lead to several issues, including impaired development of social skills, reduced attention span, and potential negative effects on brain and eye development.

The ministry further said that early childhood is a crucial period for cognitive and emotional growth, and learning at this stage should take place through real-life interactions and play-based activities rather than digital platforms.

Therefore, experts emphasized the importance of introducing preschool children to the learning process through natural environments, hands-on activities, and social interaction to support healthy development.

Comments - 3

Sheena Saturday, 14 March 2026 04:52 PM

This is absolutely correct. Up to age 7 children's brains are rapidly growing and brain cells multiply at its peak rate, absorbing the most information. Prolonged screen time is defined as more than 2 hours a day. That includes TV time too and all other screens. Children who get used to prolonged screen times have difficulty with focus and concentration resulting in ADHD diagnosis by the time they are 10 years old to early teens as academic rigor increases. Parents, get off your screens first and be an example to your children.

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Sr Saturday, 14 March 2026 06:04 PM

Mts baby advt...a good advt...!

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Mohan Saturday, 14 March 2026 08:24 PM

Autism is on the rise. Could it be due to excessive exposure at a young age? Every parent must be informed when they receive a newborn.

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