The rising trend of digital addiction among children and young people in Kashmir has become a concern, with experts warning that children of working parents are particularly vulnerable.
The lack of parental supervision for long hours often leads children to excessive screen use, making them more susceptible to the negative effects of digital addiction.
Mental health professionals said this addiction is primarily driven by the absence of parental care combined with uncontrolled exposure to screens.
Dr Abrar Guroo, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar, he said that children with working parents are at a higher risk of developing digital addiction.
He called for following international guidelines, which recommend restricting mobile phone usage, especially for children under the age of five. “Instead of being exposed to screens, children should be encouraged to participate in activities that promote cognitive development,” he said, adding that monitoring the content children consume is also crucial in preventing long-term behavioural consequences.
The emotional and psychological impact of digital addiction is severe, as many children experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression. They often feel irritable or restless when deprived of screen time, and excessive digital consumption can impair sleep patterns, cause chronic fatigue, and lead to poor emotional regulation.
Many children gradually lose interest in social interactions and family activities, and their academic performance declines as they become increasingly absorbed in the digital world.
Parents also said their children exhibit frustration and aggression when screen time is interrupted.
According to Dr Guroo, early exposure to digital screens and social media can lead to developmental issues, including difficulties with socialization, emotional regulation, and speech development. He mentioned the concept of “virtual autism”, a condition where excessive screen time causes children to withdraw from real-world interactions.
Such children, he said, struggle to communicate effectively, have difficulty expressing emotions, and become detached from their surroundings. “Unlike human communication, which involves emotional feedback, mobile devices offer only one-way interaction, further hampering their ability to connect with others,” he said.
To address this growing issue, Dr Guroo said parents must take proactive steps in managing their children’s screen time. He called for encouraging real-life interactions, promoting outdoor activities, and replacing screens with hands-on tasks like reading or creative play can help mitigate the harmful effects of digital addiction.
“Establishing a structured daily routine with clear boundaries on screen usage is essential. In cases where children show early signs of dependency, seeking professional help becomes necessary,” he said—(KNO)
