Srinagar, Feb 01 : Digital addiction among children in Jammu and Kashmir has reached a critical stage, with health experts urging immediate action to control its effects. Dr. Sushil Razdan, a well-known neurologist, told News agency that early exposure to mobile phones negatively impacts brain development.
He advised parents to completely avoid giving mobile devices to children under five years of age. After this period, screen time should be strictly monitored to prevent addiction and ensure healthy mental growth. Dr. Razdan emphasized the importance of parents actively managing their children’s digital habits. “Parents should engage their children in activities that promote learning and creativity instead of excessive screen use,” he said. Similarly, pediatrician Dr. Kaisar Ahmed described the overuse of the internet as a growing problem, calling it a “pandemic” that requires joint efforts from parents, teachers, doctors, and society to address. “Children should be encouraged to take part in activities that bring more joy and satisfaction than mobile phones.
Parents must also play their role by spending quality time with their children to prevent addiction,” Dr. Kaisar said. Both experts stressed that children under five should not use mobile phones at all, and older children should have limited and supervised screen time. They compared mobile devices to electricity—useful but only necessary at certain times.
They suggested limiting mobile use to 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening to prevent unhealthy dependence on digital devices. Another major concern raised by the doctors was the role of parents in setting an example. They said excessive mobile use by adults in front of their children encourages screen addiction. To counter this, parents should reduce their own screen time, engage in family activities, and promote outdoor play. Apart from individual responsibility, both experts stressed the need for a collective approach to tackling digital addiction.
They urged the government, along with teachers, healthcare professionals, and the media, to play an active role in educating people about the responsible use of technology. They further said that children should primarily be exposed to educational and informative content while being protected from harmful digital influences.
The experts also highlighted the psychological effects of excessive screen time, warning that it can lead to anxiety, reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. To tackle this growing issue, they suggested creating a balanced environment where children can benefit from technology without becoming dependent on it.
