Iraqi children at risk for screen addiction

BAGHDAD, August 5 — Dr. Fadel Al-Gharawi, the head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights, confirmed on Saturday that Iraqi children are facing continuous danger due to electronic addiction with children between the ages of 5 to 15 spending an average of 44.5 hours per week in front of electronic screens, putting them at risk of depression, anxiety, anger issues, aggressive behavior, isolation, and a reluctance to communicate with others.

In a statement received by 964, Al-Gharawi said: “Iraqi children are exposed to real daily risks as prolonged internet usage exposes them to various dangers and harms, including access to harmful content, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and misuse of their personal information.”

He called on the government to launch awareness programs in collaboration with UNICEF to prevent children’s electronic addiction.

Al-Gharawi also urged Iraqi families to encourage their children to engage in physical activities such as sports, swimming, playing musical instruments, drawing, or any other hobbies they enjoy.

“It is essential to set specific hours for using electronic devices and make them rewards for the child’s discipline and adherence to parental instructions, limited to a maximum of two hours per day. Mobile phones should not be left with children under the age of three to keep them occupied and should be replaced with beneficial activities like coloring, physical games, building blocks, and ball games. Parents should monitor the games chosen by their children to ensure they are appropriate for their age and should not allow games with violent content or any unethical material unsuitable for their age.”