Psychiatrist warns of growing disconnection epidemic

ISLAMABAD: A psychiatrist has warned that rising screen use within households is contributing to what she described as an epidemic of disconnection, saying digital distractions are steadily undermining communication and emotional ties between parents and children.

Speaking on Friday in connection with the International Day of Families, prominent psychiatrist Dr Uzma Masroor said changing lifestyles and constant engagement with devices were weakening parent-child relationships. She said families needed to make a deliberate effort to cut down screen time in order to rebuild trust, emotional closeness and healthy communication at home.

Dr Masroor said prolonged exposure to screens was also affecting the well-being of parents themselves. According to her, excessive device use is disturbing sleep routines, lowering emotional resilience and contributing to a pattern of mental fatigue among adults.

She said families should consciously restrict device use and give greater importance to spending time together, holding conversations and being emotionally present with one another so that balance can be restored within the household.

International Day of Families theme

Dr Masroor said the main theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Families, observed every year on May 15, is Supporting Family Well-Being and Development. She said the observance places particular focus on sustainable living and on the part families can play in responding to climate change and protecting the environment.

She added that the wider purpose of the day is to highlight the central role of families in building healthier societies, reinforcing social development and promoting responsible habits that support long-term well-being.

According to Dr Masroor, the occasion also encourages families to take an active role in environmental stewardship. She said the day serves as a reminder that strong, informed and responsible families remain essential to social progress as well as environmental sustainability.

Call for intentional family time

The psychiatrist’s remarks linked family well-being not only to emotional health but also to broader social and environmental responsibilities. Her comments underscored the need for households to be more intentional about how time is spent together, particularly at a time when digital engagement has become a constant feature of daily life.

Dr Masroor’s observations centred on the view that reducing unnecessary screen exposure and prioritising direct interaction can help restore meaningful family connections. She said such efforts were important for strengthening communication between parents and children and for supporting healthier home environments.