Muscat: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has published a public warning advising parents to restrict their children's usage of electronic devices throughout the summer break, citing the rising risk of what it calls 'electronic addiction' — a condition that can seriously affect a child's emotional, mental, and social development.
As families settle into the school vacation, the ministry is urging parents to be cautious and proactive, noting that too much screen time can cause long-term behavioral and mental difficulties.
"Devices were not designed to raise our children," the Ministry stated in a statement.
"A youngster does not need a screen to light up his world, but rather an eye that loves him, a voice that answers him, and a heart that pays attention to him. Do not give him false comfort at the expense of a genuine childhood. "
According to the advisory, warning signs of possible electronic addiction in youngsters include noticeable mood changes, excessive use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and game consoles, and an inability to control or restrict time spent on screens.
Children may also withdraw from social contacts, disregard school obligations or household chores, and experience anxiety, rage, or agitation when access to devices is limited. Other symptoms include obsessively checking alerts or messages, losing interest in non-internet-related activities, suffering sleep problems, and displaying signs of continual stress or despair.
Health experts warn that while digital gadgets have become a component of daily life, especially for education and entertainment, unregulated and unsupervised usage can be dangerous.
The Ministry is urging parents to create a balanced environment by establishing clear screentime limitations, supporting outdoor play and family engagement, encouraging hobbies and creative activities, and ensuring that there are device-free areas and periods in the home.
The MOH campaign occurs at a time when many youngsters spend long hours indoors due to the summer heat, making it more enticing to stay glued to screens. Officials emphasize that technology may be a helpful instrument, but it should never replace genuine human contact, physical exercise, or the caregiving presence of caregivers.
The advice is part of a broader effort to improve mental wellbeing and foster healthier family relationships in an increasingly digital society. Parents are encouraged to lead by example in how they regulate their screen time and to focus on meaningful time that promotes relationships and establishes good habits.
As Oman continues to prioritize preventative health and child development, the Ministry's message is simple: convenience should never come at the expense of a child's childhood.
