Srinagar – Mobile phone addiction among the younger generation is becoming a significant issue, affecting their mental health, academic performance, and social lives. A study by the Government Medical College Srinagar found that 62.9% of parents believe their children are addicted to phones. Additionally, 94.5% of parents reported negative physical health impacts, while 94.1% observed declining mental health.
Dr. Wasim Kakroo, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Mental Health Services in Srinagar, noted that children with emotional problems or who lack attention from parents are particularly vulnerable to mobile phone addiction. “They find comfort in screens, which can lead to anxiety and withdrawal symptoms if addiction develops,” he said. Without intervention, these issues can escalate into serious mental health problems.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, with students relying on screens for online classes, significantly increasing their daily screen time. Dr. Kakroo emphasized that although the recommended screen time is two hours, many children now exceed this limit.
Parents are increasingly worried. Syed Nighat, a parent from Srinagar, shared, “During the pandemic, we couldn’t take away phones because of their studies, but they spent more time playing games or scrolling social media. It made them irritable.” Teachers like Rafiq Ahmed noticed similar behavior in classrooms, where students often lack focus and prefer video games over outdoor activities.
Dr. Kakroo stressed the importance of parents creating structured routines for their children, which include breaks from screens and activities like reading or outdoor games. “Strictness and lecturing won't help,” he advised. Instead, parents should model good behavior by reducing their own screen time and engaging in their children’s daily activities.
For severe cases, professional help may be necessary. “Treat addiction with empathy, just like any other health issue,” Dr. Kakroo said. He also warned of the long-term health risks, such as potential carcinogenic effects linked to the radiation from mobile phones. Health experts agree that screen time regulation is essential to protect children from these dangers.
Insha, a young girl struggling with phone addiction, has been trying to regain control. “I’m not completely over it, but I’ve started reading and doing other activities. I’m seeing some improvement,” she said.
Mobile phone addiction is a growing concern, but with structured guidance from parents and professionals, there is hope for recovery. Experts encourage a proactive approach to address this issue before it causes further damage to young lives.