‘We just give the phone so they stay quiet’: a qualitative exploration of screen time practices among caregivers of children younger than 5 years in south India

Caregivers face multiple, structural and family level challenges in managing screen time among young children. Awareness and interventions need to be tailored to address family dynamics, caregiver fatigue and lack of alternatives. Health providers, community workers and policymakers should collaborate to offer structured support, promote screen-free engagement and ensure child-friendly spaces in urban and rural communities.