‘Give time, not gadgets’: Hyderabad CP Sajjanar urges parents to tackle kids’ screen addiction
Sajjanar pointed out that busy work schedules often prevent parents from spending adequate time with their children
By Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: With summer holidays underway, Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, IPS, has urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities, warning that excessive use of smartphones and social media could pose a serious threat to their future.
Childhood confined to ‘five-inch screen’
The Commissioner observed that summer vacations once meant visits to grandparents’ homes, outdoor games and social interaction.
However, today’s childhood, he said, is increasingly confined to the ‘five-inch screen’ of a smartphone, an alarming shift with long-term consequences.
Lack of parental time a key concern
Sajjanar pointed out that busy work schedules often prevent parents from spending adequate time with their children. This gap, he noted, is pushing children deeper into the digital world, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Risks of social media exposure
He cautioned that children are vulnerable to falling into traps set by strangers on social media platforms. Addiction to short video content, such as reels, is also affecting their sleep, eating habits and overall health, potentially harming their academic and personal growth.
Rising cases of emotional distress
Highlighting recent incidents in the city, Sajjanar said that some children are reacting strongly even to minor reprimands, with cases of youngsters leaving home surfacing more frequently. Such incidents, he added, leave families in deep distress.
‘Give time, not gadgets’
Appealing directly to parents, the Commissioner advised them to prioritise spending quality time with their children instead of gifting expensive gadgets during the holidays.
Monitor online activity
He stressed the need for parents to closely monitor what their children watch online and whom they interact with. Special attention is required during the examination results period, he said, urging parents to offer emotional support and guidance.
Parental vigilance is key
Concluding his message, Sajjanar underscored that parental awareness and involvement act as a protective shield for children’s future, ensuring their safety and well-being in an increasingly digital world.
