Srinagar, Feb 01: Digital addiction among children in Jammu and Kashmir has become a major concern, with health experts urging immediate steps to control its harmful effects.
Renowned neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan warned that early exposure to mobile phones can negatively affect brain development. He strongly advised parents to keep children under five away from mobile devices. After this age, screen time should be carefully monitored to prevent addiction and ensure healthy mental growth.
Dr. Razdan stressed the need for parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s digital habits. “Instead of excessive mobile use, children should be encouraged to engage in creative and educational activities,” he said.
Echoing these concerns, pediatrician Dr. Kaisar Ahmed described the overuse of the internet as a growing crisis. He called it a “pandemic” that requires joint efforts from parents, teachers, doctors, and society to tackle.
“Children should be involved in activities that bring them more joy and fulfillment than mobile phones. Parents must also invest time in their children to prevent them from becoming addicted to screens,” Dr. Kaisar added.
Both experts emphasized that children below five should not use mobile phones at all, while older children should have restricted and supervised screen time. Comparing mobile phones to electricity, they explained that while technology is essential, it should be used only when necessary.
They recommended limiting screen time to 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening to prevent dependency.
Another critical issue raised by the doctors was the role of parents in influencing their children’s behavior. They pointed out that excessive mobile use by adults in front of children normalizes screen addiction. To set a positive example, parents should reduce their own screen time, engage in family activities, and promote outdoor play.
Beyond individual efforts, the experts stressed the need for a collective approach to combat digital addiction. They urged the government, educators, healthcare professionals, and the media to take an active role in raising awareness about responsible mobile usage.
They also emphasized that children should primarily be exposed to educational and informative content while being protected from harmful digital influences.
The doctors warned that prolonged screen time could lead to anxiety, reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, and social isolation.
To tackle this growing issue, they called for creating a balanced environment where children can benefit from technology without falling into addiction.
