Digital addiction among children in Jammu and Kashmir has reached alarming levels, with medical experts calling for urgent intervention to curb its impact.
Renowned neurologist Dr Sushil Razdan said early mobile phone use has harmful effects on brain development. He strongly advised against exposing children under the age of five to mobile devices saying that after this critical period, screen time should be carefully regulated to prevent dependency and ensure healthy cognitive growth.
Dr Razdan called upon parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s screen habits. “The parents must encourage their children to participate in enriching activities that inculcate learning and creativity,” he said.
Similarly, noted paediatrician Dr Kaisar said that internet overuse has become a widespread issue. He called it a “pandemic” that requires collective action from parents, teachers, doctors and society as a whole.
“Children should be engaged in alternatives that provide them with more joy and fulfillment than mobile phones, while parents must take responsibility by investing quality time with their children to prevent addiction,” Dr Kaisar said.
Both experts said that mobile phones should be completely avoided for children up to five years of age, and beyond that, strict content filtering and time restrictions should be implemented. They compared mobile phone usage to electricity—essential in today’s world but something that should only be used when necessary.
The doctors called for limiting mobile use to half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening to ensure that children do not develop an unhealthy attachment to digital devices.
Another crucial point they raised was the behaviour of parents themselves, saying that excessive mobile use by adults in front of their children normalises screen addiction. Parents need to set an example by limiting their own screen time, promoting interactive family activities, and encouraging outdoor play, they said.
Beyond personal responsibility, both doctors highlighted the need for a societal approach to addressing digital addiction. They said the government, in collaboration with educators, healthcare professionals, the media and other stakeholders must take an active role in spreading awareness about the responsible use of mobile devices.
This includes ensuring that children are primarily exposed to educational and informative content while keeping them away from harmful and non-productive digital influences, they added.
Dr Sushil and Dr Kaisar said the psychological effects of prolonged screen time on children are concerning. They cited studies showing increased risks of anxiety, poor attention spans, disrupted sleep patterns and social isolation.
To combat this growing crisis, they said the focus should be on creating a balanced environment where children can benefit from technology without falling into its trap—(KNO)
