- If we don’t act now, we risk a socially disconnected generation,’ warns senior counsel Adv. Zaffar Shah on screen dependence
- Teachers hold the power to rescue students from Digital Addiction; Edu leaders must take charge" says PSAJK President G.N. Var
- Excessive screen time is destroying creativity and learning, calls for action; says Secretary Club Nasir Khan
SRINAGAR: To address growing concerns over excessive internet use and smartphone dependency, Amar Singh Club Srinagar organized a thought-provoking program titled "Digital Addiction – An Invisible Pandemic." The event shed light on the harmful effects of excessive screen time, social media overuse, video gaming, e-shopping, and smartphone addiction, particularly among children and youth.
The program was organized by the Secretary of Amar Singh Club Srinagar, Nasir Hamid Khan and was presided over by renowned Supreme Court lawyer and Senior Counsel Advocate Zaffar A. Shah. Several distinguished guests and experts from the education sector participated, sharing valuable insights on the issue.
The discussions focused on the psychological and social consequences of digital addiction, with experts emphasizing the need for parental awareness, school interventions and responsible digital habits. The speakers underscored that while technology is a vital tool in modern life, its excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, and academic decline, particularly among students.
Senior Counsel Adv. Zaffar A. Shah stated, "Digital addiction is emerging as one of the biggest challenges of our time, impacting not just academic growth but also the physical and mental well-being of children. Education today cannot be limited to textbooks alone; we must integrate sports, outdoor activities, and real-world learning experiences to counter the over-dependence on screens. Parents, schools, civil society and the government must create safe spaces where children can engage in physical activities, as an active lifestyle is crucial for their development. If we do not take immediate action, the consequences will be far-reaching, affecting future generations' ability to think, create and engage with the real world."
Advocate Shah also stressed the role of parents in regulating children's screen time. He urged families to prioritize real-world interactions, promote outdoor activities and monitor digital consumption to ensure children use technology for educational purposes rather than excessive gaming, social media, and entertainment.
Prof. Gul Mohammad Wani remarked, "The days are long gone when education was only about preparing students for exams. In this digital era, where technology has advanced to unprecedented levels, we must rethink how we educate with innovation and creativity. The real challenge lies in guiding our younger generation, especially children, without falling into escapism. Unfortunately, we are not doing enough—not in schools, not in universities and even parents are caught up in their own busy lives."
Prof. Wani emphasized that digital addiction has significantly reduced the habit of book reading, which is a serious concern. He called for immediate measures at all education levels to counter this addiction and implement precautionary steps.
G.N. Var, PSAJK State President, commended the Amar Singh Club management for organizing such a crucial discussion and debate, emphasizing that conversations like these are necessary to bring meaningful change to society. He highlighted the role of PSAJK Women’s Wing President Sheikh Ishrat Tanki, under whose leadership 82 women-led schools across urban and rural areas of J&K continue to provide quality education to low-income families, with some students receiving free education.
Var pointed out that teachers hold immense power in shaping young minds. He shared an example of how many parents struggle to control their children’s excessive screen time and often rely on teachers for behavioral correction, stating, "Parents often find their children refusing to listen, deeply engrossed in their smartphones. In frustration, they tell them, ‘I will inform your teacher.’ This simple statement highlights the power and respect that teachers command. As educators, we must use this influence to guide students toward responsible technology use and digital discipline."
He further emphasized the need for structured policies in schools to minimize screen dependency and promote a balanced and healthy learning environment. Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of Amar Singh Club Srinagar, stated, "Digital addiction is an invisible pandemic silently affecting all age groups. Through this program, our aim is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive internet use, video gaming, social media, e-shopping, and smartphone dependency. It is essential to strike a balance between technology and real-life interactions to safeguard our mental and physical well-being."
Khan stressed that educating the younger generation about the long-term consequences of digital overuse is critical. By promoting mindful technology use, individuals can regain focus, creativity and meaningful social connections, ensuring a healthier and more productive future.
PSAJK Women’s Wing President Sheikh Ishrat Tanki warned about the overuse of digital devices, leading to increased mental stress and anxiety among children’s. "The long-term impact of unchecked digital addiction is alarming. If we fail to act now, we risk raising a generation that is socially disconnected, mentally stressed and physically unfit. It is our collective responsibility—parents, teachers, policymakers and the community to create an environment that fosters balanced digital habits and encourages active, engaged and innovative young minds."
PRO PSAJK Dr. Syed Rufaida Souleh emphasized the urgent need to address digital addiction, stating, "The unchecked rise of digital dependency is quietly transforming our society. If we fail to intervene now, the consequences will be far-reaching. It is crucial for parents, educators and policymakers to foster a balanced digital culture—one that promotes meaningful engagement, sharpens critical thinking and nurtures a healthier lifestyle.
Other distinguished speakers who addressed the event included Former KCC&I President Rouf Punjabi, Vice Principal of The Heritage School of Knowledge Mumtaza Akhter, Principal of Islamic Global School Urooj Qadri, Administrator of Greenland School of Education Affeefa Khawar, Kashmir Harvard Principal and others at "Digital Addiction – An Invisible Pandemic," organized by Amar Singh Club Srinagar.
The discussions underscored the alarming consequences of excessive digital consumption, particularly among children and young adults. Speakers urged parents, educators and society at large to take proactive measures in regulating screen time and fostering healthier alternatives. The event served as both a wake-up call and a call to action, with participants commending Amar Singh Club management for leading this crucial conversation. They stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns and collaborative efforts to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of the next generation.
