Shafaat Yar Khan
In today’s hyperconnected world, screens have become an indispensable part of daily life. From smartphones to tablets and gaming consoles to laptops, children are spending increasing amounts of time glued to electronic gadgets. While technology has brought immense benefits, its overuse among children is leading to a range of adverse effects on their psychological, social, mental, and emotional well-being. This growing dependency is a global concern, impacting countries like Pakistan and Australia, albeit in unique ways.
In Pakistan, the effects of excessive screen time are visible in both urban and rural settings, where children of all socioeconomic backgrounds are increasingly disengaged from outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions. The psychological repercussions are alarming. Studies show that children who spend prolonged hours on screens experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, and attention deficits. These devices often expose them to content that is either age-inappropriate or promotes unhealthy comparisons, leading to diminished self-esteem.
Socially, excessive screen use is eroding communication skills among children. Engaging in screen-based entertainment, such as social media or video games, limits opportunities for real-world interactions, causing children to struggle with basic social cues and empathy. This isolation also prevents the development of teamwork and conflict-resolution skills, which are vital for their growth.
The mental health of children is also at risk. Addiction to screens impacts sleep patterns, as children stay awake late into the night scrolling through apps or gaming. The lack of proper sleep affects memory, concentration, and academic performance. Furthermore, the constant stimulation from screens can lead to overstimulation, impairing a child’s ability to focus on tasks or even enjoy simple pleasures like reading a book or playing outdoors.
Emotionally, children glued to screens miss out on experiences that build resilience and patience. They are more likely to feel frustrated, irritable, or emotionally detached due to the instant gratification that digital platforms provide. This dependency creates a cycle where children use screens to escape discomfort, further intensifying their reliance.
The Situation in Pakistan: A Call for Action
In Pakistan, where the digital divide is rapidly closing, the prevalence of screens in children’s lives has become a significant concern. Public figures like Shehzad Roy, a renowned singer and social activist, have stepped up to address this issue. Roy’s Zindagi Trust, which is dedicated to improving education in Pakistan, has introduced a chess curriculum aimed at diverting children from excessive screen time.
The chess initiative offers an intellectually stimulating alternative to electronic gadgets. By engaging in chess, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills—abilities that are often stunted by prolonged screen use. Chess also promotes patience, focus, and discipline, qualities that are essential for emotional growth but are diminishing due to screen dependency. Roy has made this curriculum publicly available for free, encouraging schools and parents to adopt it as a way to redirect children’s attention from screens to constructive activities.
While initiatives like Roy’s are commendable, Pakistan still lacks a coherent national policy to address screen addiction among children. Unlike in developed countries, discussions around regulating screen time or implementing digital literacy programs are rare in the country’s education and health sectors. Parents often lack awareness of the long-term consequences of excessive screen use, and societal norms tend to favor digital entertainment over traditional play.
In Australia, where the issue is also prominent, screen time among children is a hotly debated topic. The Australian government has been actively considering policies to regulate children’s access to digital platforms. Recently, a world-first legislation was introduced to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
However, the policy has faced resistance from digital industry representatives. Sunita Bose, the managing director of the Digital Industry Group Inc., urged the Australian Parliament to delay passing the legislation until age-assurance technologies are fully evaluated. The government has commissioned a study into these technologies, with results expected in June. The proposed legislation aims to protect children from harmful online content and the psychological effects of excessive social media use, but its implementation remains a topic of debate.
In addition to legislative measures, Australian schools and community organizations are actively involved in tackling screen addiction. Many schools have introduced “no screen” zones and encourage outdoor activities to reduce children’s reliance on devices. Public awareness campaigns highlight the importance of a balanced digital diet and educate parents on setting boundaries around screen use.
The Australian government has also supported initiatives that promote digital literacy and responsible technology use. Programs encourage children to understand the benefits and risks of the digital world, fostering a culture of moderation rather than complete abstinence.
Parallels and Differences Between Pakistan and Australia
While Pakistan and Australia face similar challenges regarding screen addiction, their approaches differ significantly. In Pakistan, the issue is often overlooked at the policy level, leaving the responsibility to individuals and non-profit organizations like Shehzad Roy’s Zindagi Trust. In contrast, Australia has taken a more structured approach, with the government actively debating legislation and promoting public awareness campaigns.
Both countries, however, share common ground in recognizing the importance of addressing this issue. For Pakistan, adopting a more comprehensive policy framework similar to Australia’s could be a step in the right direction. Meanwhile, Australia could learn from Pakistan’s grassroots initiatives, which focus on engaging children in alternative, skill-building activities like chess.
To combat the adverse effects of screen addiction, both Pakistan and Australia must prioritize children’s well-being. In Pakistan, greater investment in education and public awareness campaigns is needed to highlight the risks associated with excessive screen time. Schools should be encouraged to adopt extracurricular activities, such as chess, sports, and arts, to provide children with alternatives to digital entertainment.
Parents play a crucial role in curbing screen addiction. Setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time to a few hours a day and encouraging outdoor play, can significantly reduce dependency. In Australia, where policies are more developed, the focus should remain on implementing regulations that are both effective and practical. Striking a balance between protecting children and ensuring their access to digital resources for learning is key.
On a broader scale, governments worldwide need to collaborate with tech companies to create age-appropriate digital spaces for children. Features such as parental controls, content filters, and screen time trackers can help mitigate the harmful effects of technology without entirely depriving children of its benefits.
The issue of excessive screen time among children is a growing concern that transcends borders. Whether in Pakistan, Australia, or elsewhere, the consequences are clear: psychological distress, social isolation, impaired mental health, and stunted emotional growth. While initiatives like Shehzad Roy’s chess curriculum and Australia’s proposed legislation offer promising solutions, a collective effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and technology companies is essential to address this global challenge effectively.
As screens continue to dominate our lives, ensuring a healthy balance for children is not just a necessity but a responsibility shared by all.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
