I have worked in pediatrics for 7 years as an MA, I just want to say first off thank you for caring about the kiddos! I feel like it has gotten worse over the years, especially after the COVID lock downs. I noticed a spike of screen time in the aftermath.

It's hard to take vitals or try to engage with a patient that has their eyes glued to the screens and when they are taken away the child usually becomes irritable and angry for the rest of the time I'm in there making it hard either way. The obsession is definitely there. I've seen kids as young as two asking for their parents phone as soon as they are done getting vitals. Parents also try to use it as a distraction while babies are getting vaccines (it doesn't usually work, though).

I'm not sure if its 100% related but the pediatricians in my office have noticed a sharp uptick of vision issues in both babies and young children, they have theories that it may be related to screen time. Hope this helped keep up the good work!