Afghan Children's Smartphone Use Sparks Health, Family Concerns

• Rising smartphone use among Afghan children is a major concern for families, doctors, and educators due to its impact on mental, physical, and social well-being.
• Parents in Afghanistan struggle to set boundaries for children's screen time, with some imposing strict limits to prevent over-reliance on devices.
• Medical professionals warn that excessive screen exposure can lead to behavioral issues, speech problems, altered thinking, and physical effects like eye irritation in children.
• The global debate on children's smartphone use is highlighted by Australia's ban on social media for those under 16, aiming to curb digital dependency.
• Despite widespread screen use, some Afghan children still engage in outdoor play, reflecting a return to real-world interaction away from digital devices.

Why It Matters: Children's smartphone overuse poses serious health and social risks globally.