The Dawoodi Bohra community has launched a global campaign to address the growing mobile phone addiction among children. Recognising the widespread concerns of parents worldwide, the initiative aims to protect children from the harmful effects of excessive screen time.
To promote mental well-being among children and adolescents, the campaign targets individuals under the age of 15. Schools, counsellors, and healthcare professionals have joined forces to implement a mobile screen-free initiative, which was officially introduced to the community on Monday.
In collaboration with schools and community organisations, the campaign includes awareness seminars and educational programmes designed to inform parents and children about the risks of mobile phone addiction and the importance of digital safety. Counselling sessions, supported by doctors and psychiatrists, highlight the negative impact of excessive screen time on children’s physical, mental, and emotional health, reports Pune Times Mirror.
This initiative is inspired by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who has voiced concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive screen use among children. It also aligns with global discussions on the harmful impact of prolonged screen exposure on young minds.
Research has repeatedly shown that excessive use of smart devices is linked to a range of health issues, including physical ailments, cognitive challenges, and mental health problems. Furthermore, the influence of social media exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, harmful content, and scams, emphasising the need for parental guidance and digital literacy.
Dr. Deepak Garg, a paediatric ophthalmologist, underscored the severe consequences of excessive screen time, noting its physical effects, such as digital eye strain and myopia, as well as its mental and emotional repercussions.
“Constant screen exposure disrupts sleep, reduces attention spans, and fosters addictive behaviours, contributing to anxiety, irritability, and depression,” he explained.
