KARACHI: Educationists, social scientists and parenting experts have warned that the increasing use of mobile phones among children is severely affecting their mental health and academic performance, citing research findings indicating that 77 per cent of children who use mobile phones for more than two hours a day exhibit aggression, emotional imbalance, obesity and social isolation.

Speaking at a session titled “Parents Then and Now”, organised at Aureus Cambridge School, participants also highlighted the decline of neighbourhood bonding, a tradition that has almost disappeared.

Renowned educationist, poet and literary critic Dr Pirzada Qasim, in his address, warned that excessive mobile phone use is leading to attention deficits, insomnia and psychological issues. He urged parents to first limit their own unnecessary mobile phone usage and to spend more time with their children.

“In the past, every member of the community played a role in guiding and correcting children, but today people often do not even know their neighbours. This culture still survives in older residential areas and must be revived for the betterment of society,” he said.

He cautioned that the overuse of mobile phones among the youth is also contributing to a rise in heart ailments. Children are increasingly opting for unhealthy food ordered via delivery services rather than eating home-cooked meals, while physical activity has declined due to the absence of pedestrian pathways and concerns over security. He stressed that not everyone can afford a gym membership, making daily walking and an active lifestyle even more important.

Research findings indicate an alarming number exhibiting aggression, emotional imbalance and obesity

Highlighting the state’s limited commitment to social sectors, Dr Pirzada noted that the government spends only 1.5pc of GDP on health and education, far below the minimum of 4pc that is needed. He lamented that basic education was once free and widely accessible in Pakistan, but the current state of government schools is visibly poor.

“If the private sector had not stepped in, the situation would have been far worse,” he remarked.

He urged parents to give time to their children, to ask about their daily activities and to try to have breakfast or dinner together as a family.

Advisory Board member Syed Jamshed Ahmed also cited research indicating that 77pc of children who use mobile phones for more than two hours a day show signs of aggression, emotional imbalance, obesity and social isolation—and often display extreme anger if the device is taken away.

He observed that parents frequently hand over mobile phones to very young children to keep them occupied when they themselves are busy. However, society must explore healthier alternatives, such as promoting sports and physical activities by ensuring adequate facilities and encouraging parental involvement.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2025