Dr Sushil Razdan and Dr Kaisar Ahmed Urge Collective Efforts to Tackle Screen Addiction’s Harmful Effects
Srinagar:- Medical experts in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over the escalating levels of digital addiction among children, describing it as reaching a "pandemic" scale. They are calling for immediate action to mitigate its damaging consequences.
Speaking to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Sushil Razdan, a prominent neurologist, highlighted the detrimental impact of early mobile phone use on brain development. He strongly recommended avoiding mobile devices for children under five and emphasized the need for regulated screen time afterward to prevent dependency and support healthy cognitive growth.
Dr Razdan urged parents to actively monitor their children’s screen usage and promote activities that foster learning and creativity. "Parents should encourage their children to engage in enriching pursuits that stimulate their minds," he said.
Echoing these concerns, Dr Kaisar Ahmed, a renowned paediatrician, described internet overuse as a widespread issue requiring a united response from parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and society. He termed it a "pandemic" and stressed the importance of providing children with alternatives that bring greater joy and fulfillment than mobile phones.
"Parents must take responsibility by spending quality time with their children to prevent addiction," Dr Kaisar added.
Both experts agreed that mobile phones should be entirely avoided for children under five, with strict content filtering and time limits imposed afterward. They likened mobile phone usage to electricity—essential but to be used judiciously.
To prevent unhealthy attachments to digital devices, they recommended limiting mobile use to 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. They also highlighted the role of parents in setting an example by reducing their own screen time, engaging in interactive family activities, and encouraging outdoor play.
The doctors emphasized that excessive mobile use by adults in front of children normalizes screen addiction, making it crucial for parents to model balanced behavior.
Beyond individual efforts, they called for a societal approach to address the issue. They urged the government, educators, healthcare professionals, and media to collaborate in raising awareness about responsible mobile device usage. This includes ensuring children are exposed to educational content while shielding them from harmful digital influences.
Dr Razdan and Dr Kaisar also pointed to the psychological risks of prolonged screen time, such as anxiety, poor attention spans, disrupted sleep, and social isolation. To tackle this crisis, they advocated for a balanced environment where children can benefit from technology without becoming overly dependent on it—(KNO).
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