Abu Dhabi’s First Digital Detox Clinic for Children Opens
The clinic offers a structured six-step program aimed at helping children and their families regain control over screen time.
The UAE’s first digital detox clinic for children has been launched in Abu Dhabi, addressing the growing concerns over screen addiction and its impact on physical and mental health. Located at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, the clinic offers a structured six-step program aimed at helping children and their families regain control over screen time.
While screen addiction is widely acknowledged as a modern concern, it is not officially classified as a medical disorder in systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, the effects of excessive screen use - ranging from cognitive difficulties to physical strain - have prompted healthcare professionals to develop intervention strategies. The clinic’s approach focuses on assessing and mitigating these effects through a combination of medical, psychological and behavioural therapies.
The program begins with an initial consultation and assessment, during which specialists evaluate the child’s attention span, memory and cognitive function. This step helps determine the extent to which screen exposure may be influencing concentration and mental clarity. A physical examination follows, aimed at identifying any muscle strain linked to prolonged screen use. Given the prevalence of posture-related issues among children who spend long hours on digital devices, physiotherapy is introduced as part of the process to correct misalignments and encourage healthier habits.
Beyond physical concerns, the clinic emphasises psychological well-being through psychometric therapy, which helps establish digital boundaries and promotes alternative activities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be incorporated if specialists determine that a child requires further intervention to reshape behavioral patterns related to screen dependency. An eye test and ophthalmology consultation are also part of the program, assessing visual strain that may result from excessive screen exposure.
The final stage involves follow-ups and long-term monitoring to track progress and ensure that improvements are maintained. Specialists work closely with families to provide guidance on sustaining healthy screen habits beyond the clinic’s intervention.
