Abu Dhabi’s Breakthrough in Child Wellness
In March 2025, the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) launched the UAE’s first Digital Detox Program for Children, specifically designed to treat child screen addiction using a holistic, evidence-based approach (thenationalnews.com).
Located within ADSCC, this pioneering clinic addresses the growing concern over excessive screen use and its impacts—from cognitive development to posture, sleep, and behavior.
The Impact: Why Screen Addiction in Children Matters
Healthcare experts across the UAE have sounded the alarm over the detrimental effects of prolonged device usage in kids—ranging from poor posture, disrupted sleep, eye strain, and attention deficits, to impaired memory retention. Research shows chronic engagement with screens may over-stimulate dopamine pathways, reducing focus and increasing the need for digital stimulation.
In response, the UAE signed the Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact as part of the 2025 World Government Summit—emphasizing national commitment to protecting children’s digital health and limiting excessive screen exposure (eca.gov.ae).
What the Clinic Offers: A Six‑Step Holistic Approach
ADSCC’s program is carefully structured and delivered by a multidisciplinary team to support long-term change:
- Pediatric Consultation & Cognitive Assessment
Evaluates attention, memory, and behavioral effects of screen use. - Body Motion Analysis via X‑Body Box
Measures posture-related strain—Dr. Banur notes that bending forward to view a screen increases head-load from ~5 kg to ~27 kg - Targeted Physiotherapy
Tailored plans correct posture, build strength, and educate on ergonomics - Psychomotor & Behavioral Therapy
Six sessions for children and a parent-focused session on boundary-setting and screen detox strategies - Ophthalmology & Dietetic Evaluation
Screens for eye strain, nutritional imbalances, and respiratory impacts from sedentary behavior - Follow-Up Monitoring & CBT Referral
Ongoing progress tracking and optional psychological services if needed (adscc.ae)
What Families Are Experiencing
Parents report improved social engagement, better posture, increased creativity, and clear reductions in screen usage—often by 30–50% within weeks. Behavior, sleep, and focus all show measurable gains as children adopt more enriching offline routines (khaleejtimes.com).
Policy & Community Alignment: UAE’s Unified Approach
This detox program operates in harmony with broader UAE efforts, from guidelines by the Early Childhood Authority to parental and educational reforms. Policies advise age-appropriate screen limits—for instance, no screen time for children under 18 months, up to 1 hour daily for ages 2–5, and guided limits for older children (eca.gov.ae).
Action Guide: Supporting Your Child’s Screen Balance
- Follow the “Rule of 20”: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and stretch the neck.
- Replace device time with creative, physical, or outdoor activities.
- Be consistent: use parental controls securely and follow routines with clear transitions and limits—a method many families report as effective.
Analog Moments in a Digital Childhood
While programs like the Abu Dhabi Digital Detox Clinic offer crucial structure, long-term balance also stems from reintroducing mindful, tactile experiences—especially for children growing up in a hyper-digital world.
At Gyllium, we believe in preserving the ritual of handwriting as a timeless practice of clarity, creativity, and reflection—an elegant counterbalance to screen time.
Whether it’s a young teen keeping a gratitude log or a parent planning device-free family rituals, a beautifully designed agenda or journal can inspire more present, analog habits—one page at a time.
“Pen to paper is where the mind finds rest. In a digital age, it’s a quiet rebellion.”
— Catrina Minthe, Vogue Arabia, on Gyllium’s Eternal Winter Agenda
To Sum Up
Abu Dhabi’s first Digital Detox Clinic for Children marks a vital advancement in combating screen dependency. With its multifaceted framework—from medical evaluations to behavioral therapy—it sets a global standard in pediatric wellness.
Supporting children through digital detox means both expert intervention and fostering meaningful offline rituals. As Gyllium advocates, embracing analog moments can enrich lives and restore balance—one elegant page at a time.