Medical experts say that such cases are more common among children aged three to five years and also among students attempting board or O/A exams.
Professor Dr. Tipu Soltan, Medical Director, Children’s Hospital, Lahore, pointed out that psychological problems and exposure among children are on the rise. He attributes this trend to the rise of cell phone use among young children.
In an interview with Samaa TW, Dr. Soltan discussed the factors behind this phenomenon. Decreased physical activity, early school enrollment and excessive screen time on mobile phones have been shown to be major contributors to the behavioral changes observed in children.
“When children start having problems, parents give up their cell phones instead of looking for better solutions,” he said, adding that children between the ages of three and five are more likely to have psychological problems.
The medical director explained that the habit of eating out instead of eating at home also affects the health and well-being of children. Screen time also makes children more vulnerable to anxiety and psychological problems.
To overcome this problem, Dr. Soltan advises parents to encourage their children to spend time with their parents and engage in physical activity. He advocated the creation of parks and playgrounds in schools and residential communities, stressing the importance of avoiding excessive pressure on children related to academic achievement.
Dr. Sultan urged parents to prioritize children’s well-being by promoting a healthy lifestyle, limiting screen time, and creating opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
He believes that by addressing these factors, the prevalence of psychological problems in children can be reduced, leading to happier and healthier childhood.
