Pediatricians Highlight Cyber Risks of Excessive Screen Time

APP

Islamabad: Pediatric experts on Friday stressed the urgent need for parents to manage their children’s screen time, warning that excessive use of digital devices poses serious risks to both physical and mental health, while also exposing children to online threats.

Pediatric Nutritionist and Neurologist Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, in an exclusive conversation with a local media channel, said overexposure to screens is linked to eye strain, sleep disturbances, behavioral problems, and reduced concentration among children.

“These issues are becoming increasingly common due to the growing reliance on digital devices,” he noted, adding that long-term overuse can also delay language development and weaken social skills.

Dr. Yusuf emphasized that children need time away from screens to engage in outdoor play, peer interaction, and reading, which are essential for healthy cognitive and emotional growth. He urged parents to create balanced routines that combine limited screen time with physical activity.

Beyond physical health risks, Dr. Yusuf warned of the dangers lurking on the “black web,” including exposure to harmful content, cyber-bullying, and online predators. “As children spend more time online, they become vulnerable to risks that affect their emotional and mental well-being,” he said, calling on parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities.

He also criticized the growing trend of giving children screens during meals or in hospitals, arguing that such practices disrupt natural eating habits, shorten attention spans, and create unhealthy associations with food.

“Parents must rethink these habits and encourage more mindful routines that foster a healthier relationship with food and digital devices,” Dr. Yusuf stressed.