Mobile Phones Harm Kids' Minds: Paediatricians Warn

Senior paediatricians have expressed grave concerns regarding parental negligence affecting early childhood development. During a national conference on paediatrics in Karachi on Saturday, experts highlighted that a child's early exposure to mobile phones can precipitate psychological and behavioural problems. They stressed the paramount importance of a mother's role in a newborn's mental development, noting that common practices like distracting children with phones can impede cognitive and social-emotional growth. The conference also addressed the concerning trend of poor breastfeeding practices, advocating for its benefits which include increased immunity and self-confidence. Speakers underscored the legal mandate for breastfeeding newborns for two years. Discussions also focused on strategies to improve healthcare access in remote areas through telemedicine and the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment. The implementation of laws against artificial milk sales and the importance of vaccination as a basic right were also key discussion points.