A prominent psychiatrist Saturday asserts that the prevalent influence of smartphones and social media on young people's lives is exacting a devastating impact on their mental health, prompting an urgent call for collective action from parents, policymakers, and youth themselves to mitigate the damage.
The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Department of Psychiatry Associate Professor Dr Nargis Asad in an interview with a news channel stressed that the alarming rise in mental health issues among young people is directly linked to excessive smartphone use and social media addiction.
"The consequences of unchecked smartphone use and social media addiction are devastating," Dr warned.
"We are seeing a surge in anxiety, depression, cyber-bullying, and sleep disorders among youth. We must take collective responsibility to mitigate these risks," she asserted.
Dr Asad urged parents, educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals to join forces in promoting healthy digital habits among young people.
"We need to educate youth about responsible smartphone use, set boundaries, and encourage offline activities," she said.
She called for advocating policies that regulate social media companies and protect young users from harmful content. By working together, Dr Asad believes in creating a safer digital environment that supports the mental well-being of our youth. "The time for action is now," she emphasized.
Excessive screen time has been linked to a decrease in children's attention spans, she said.
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