Child health specialists are urging parents to avoid giving mobile phones to young children, warning that early exposure can affect physical, mental, and psychological development.
Speaking on ARY News’ program Bakhabar Savera, pediatrician Dr. Waseem Ahmed Jamalvi advised parents, especially mothers, not to let children under five use mobile devices.
“Using mobile phones at an early age is extremely harmful for a child’s growth,” he said. “It can cause weak eyesight, sleep problems, irritability, and delays in learning and development.”
Dr. Jamalvi emphasized that children learn mainly from their parents and surroundings. He noted that many mothers hand phones to children simply to keep them occupied, a practice he described as harmful.
Read More: Govt To Include International AI Experts in AI Council
Citing international guidance, he said the Australian government restricts social media use for children under 16, while the World Health Organization recommends avoiding phones for children under two.
He explained that the first two years are critical for brain development, with rapid neuron growth continuing until around age five.
Dr. Jamalvi also urged parents to limit their own mobile use around young children and avoid using phones during meals or before bedtime, as blue light from screens can damage both eyes and brain development.
