Dawoodi Bohra Community Launches Global Campaign to Combat Mobile Phone Addiction in Children
TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com
In an effort to protect the mental and physical health of children, the Dawoodi Bohra community has launched a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of excessive mobile phone use. This campaign, driven by the concerns of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, seeks to educate both parents and children about the risks of mobile phone addiction and promote healthier digital habits.
The campaign features a series of awareness seminars and programs, conducted in collaboration with schools and community organizations, to educate families on the detrimental effects of screen time. Experts, including doctors and psychiatrists, are also offering counseling sessions to highlight how excessive phone usage can negatively impact children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Global Concerns Over Screen Time
Studies have long shown that excessive exposure to mobile phones and other smart devices can lead to a range of health problems in children. These include vision issues, sleep disturbances, mental health challenges, and hindered cognitive development. Moreover, the pervasive influence of social media opens the door to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to harmful content. The growing concern over these issues underscores the need for better digital literacy and parental guidance.
Health Risks Associated with Mobile Phone Addiction
Dr. Zohra Y. Badshah, a homoeopathic physician from the community, highlighted some of the physical issues caused by excessive screen time. "Too much screen time causes dryness in the eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and an increased risk of myopia," she said. "The blue light emitted by screens can cause sleep disturbances by suppressing melatonin, and poor posture can lead to neck pain and spasms."
Parents of young children have also reported significant changes in their children's behavior when screen time was reduced. One parent shared their experience, stating, "As a doctor and a parent, I noticed increased aggressiveness and irritability in my kids when they had excessive screen time. Reducing it led to calmer personalities and more time for physical activities, which improved their mental and physical health."
Encouraging a Balanced Lifestyle
As part of the initiative, the Dawoodi Bohra community encourages families to strike a balance between screen time and physical activities. Many parents have shared how they are now managing their children's time more actively, prioritizing family activities such as baking and crafting. "My son wants to develop his baking skills, and my daughter loves exploring craft activities. They also enjoy extra playtime outdoors," said one parent. "This has made them more active both physically and mentally."
The Negative Effects of Mobile Phones on Children
The campaign also sheds light on the wide-ranging negative effects that mobile phones have on children under 15. Dr. Shk. Abuzer Surka, a consultant pediatrician, pointed out some of these impacts, which include:
- Distraction and reduced creativity
- Negative impact on academic performance
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased risk of headaches and brain tumors
- Eyesight problems
- Mental health issues
- Reduced face-to-face communication skills
- Cyberbullying and online safety concerns
A Commitment to Community Well-Being
This global campaign is part of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s broader initiative to promote well-being and upliftment among its members. In addition to the efforts to address mobile phone addiction, the community has been actively engaged in senior citizens’ upliftment programs since 2019, focusing on improving the quality of life for the elderly.
By addressing the challenges posed by mobile phone addiction, the Dawoodi Bohra community hopes to foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for its younger generation, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
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