Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Warns Against Screen Addiction in Kashmir: “Education Must Shape Mind, Body and Soul”
By: Javid Amin | 20 May 2026
Mirwaiz Calls on Parents to Prioritize Moral Upbringing, Outdoor Activities, and Emotional Well-Being Over Academic Pressure Alone
At a time when children across Kashmir are increasingly growing up in a world dominated by smartphones, social media, gaming, and academic competition, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has delivered a strong message to parents: education without moral upbringing and balanced development is incomplete.
Addressing concerns over rising screen addiction, emotional isolation, and excessive academic pressure among children, the Mirwaiz urged families to become more actively involved in their children’s lives beyond exam scores and classroom achievements.
He emphasized that true education must nurture the mind, body, and soul together — combining intellectual growth with physical health, spirituality, ethics, and emotional resilience.
His remarks come amid growing debates in Kashmir and globally over the impact of excessive digital exposure on children’s mental health, social behavior, attention span, and family relationships.
“Taleem and Tarbiyat Must Go Together”
At the center of the Mirwaiz’s message was the Islamic principle of “taleem and tarbiyat” — education paired with moral and character development.
He stressed that raising children should not be limited to securing high grades, professional success, or prestigious careers. Instead, parents and institutions must also focus on building:
- Honesty
- Empathy
- Discipline
- Responsibility
- Compassion
- Social awareness
- Spiritual grounding
According to the Mirwaiz, societies are not strengthened merely through infrastructure or academic excellence, but through morally balanced individuals capable of contributing positively to their communities.
He reminded parents that Islam promotes a holistic way of life where intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual well-being are interconnected.
Rising Screen Addiction Among Children Raises Concern
One of the strongest warnings in the Mirwaiz’s remarks focused on growing dependence on mobile phones, tablets, gaming, and digital entertainment among children.
Across Kashmir, parents and teachers increasingly report that children are spending:
- Less time outdoors
- Less time interacting with family members
- More time on social media and screens
- More time isolated in digital environments
Experts say excessive screen exposure can affect:
- Sleep quality
- Attention span
- Emotional regulation
- Social skills
- Physical fitness
- Academic concentration
The Mirwaiz warned that children today are becoming digitally connected but socially disconnected, with many losing opportunities for real-world interaction, outdoor activity, and emotional bonding.
Outdoor Activities Are Essential for Healthy Development
The Mirwaiz strongly encouraged parents to involve children in physical and outdoor activities rather than allowing devices to dominate daily life.
He highlighted activities such as:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Swimming
- Sports
- Outdoor games
- Community interaction
as essential for healthy childhood development.
Experts agree that outdoor activity improves:
- Physical fitness
- Emotional health
- Social confidence
- Stress management
- Teamwork and communication skills
In Kashmir — known for its natural landscapes, mountains, gardens, and open spaces — many educators believe children are increasingly disconnected from outdoor community life due to excessive digital engagement.
Academic Pressure Is Also Affecting Children’s Mental Health
The Mirwaiz also addressed another growing concern in Kashmiri society: intense academic pressure.
Many families increasingly prioritize:
- Examination scores
- Competitive performance
- Career outcomes
- Social comparison
while unintentionally neglecting emotional well-being and creativity.
Psychologists warn that constant academic pressure can contribute to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Burnout
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional withdrawal
The Mirwaiz urged parents not to define children solely through grades or rankings, but to encourage creativity, spirituality, confidence, kindness, and emotional intelligence alongside formal education.
Kashmir’s Children Growing Up in a Rapidly Changing World
The concerns raised by the Mirwaiz reflect broader social changes taking place across Kashmir.
Children today are growing up amid:
- Expanding digital technology
- Artificial intelligence-driven education
- Social media influence
- Reduced outdoor interaction
- Increasing urbanization
- Competitive educational environments
Experts say these shifts are fundamentally changing childhood experiences, parenting styles, and social development patterns.
While technology has improved access to education and information, specialists warn that unregulated digital exposure can weaken:
- Family bonding
- Attention spans
- Real-world communication skills
- Community participation
Islamic Parenting Principles Emphasize Balance
The Mirwaiz framed his message within broader Islamic teachings on parenting and upbringing.
Islamic scholars often emphasize that parents are the first teachers of children and carry responsibility not only for academic education but also for:
- Manners and ethics
- Faith and spirituality
- Emotional nurturing
- Discipline and self-control
- Compassion and respect
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize kindness, patience, mercy, and leading by example in child upbringing.
The Mirwaiz stressed that Islam promotes balance between worldly success (“dunya”) and spiritual development (“deen”), ensuring children grow into capable yet morally grounded individuals.
Practical Parenting Strategies for Modern Families
Education and child development experts say parents can take several practical steps to reduce digital dependency and strengthen family relationships.
Create Structured Routines
Balanced schedules involving:
- Study time
- Outdoor play
- Family interaction
- Prayer and reflection
- Rest and hobbies
help children maintain emotional stability.
Introduce Digital Boundaries
Experts recommend:
- Limiting recreational screen time
- Device-free family meals
- Restricting late-night phone use
- Encouraging offline hobbies
Encourage Family Activities
Simple activities such as:
- Evening walks
- Sports
- Gardening
- Reading together
- Religious discussions
- Community service
can improve family bonding significantly.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Child psychologists emphasize encouraging resilience, curiosity, and effort rather than focusing only on academic rankings.
Open Communication
Parents are advised to listen to children empathetically instead of relying solely on authority or punishment.
Schools, Mosques, and Communities Also Have a Role
Experts say parenting challenges in the digital age cannot be solved by families alone.
Schools, mosques, educators, religious institutions, and community organizations all have roles in:
- Promoting ethical values
- Encouraging healthy lifestyles
- Building emotional resilience
- Creating social engagement opportunities
Many education experts argue that moral education and life skills must regain importance alongside academic performance.
The Bigger Concern: Losing Human Connection in the Digital Age
The Mirwaiz’s message also reflects a growing global concern about how excessive technology use may be weakening human relationships and emotional well-being.
Researchers worldwide increasingly warn that digital addiction contributes to:
- Loneliness
- Reduced empathy
- Anxiety
- Social isolation
- Declining physical activity
- Family disconnect
For Kashmir — a society historically rooted in strong family ties and community interaction — many fear that unchecked screen dependence may gradually weaken those traditional bonds.
A Reminder That Parenting Is More Than Providing Material Comfort
At its core, the Mirwaiz’s appeal was a reminder that parenting is not limited to financial support, school admissions, or academic monitoring.
He argued that children need:
- Time
- Guidance
- Emotional connection
- Moral direction
- Physical activity
- Spiritual grounding
in order to grow into balanced individuals.
In an era increasingly dominated by screens, algorithms, and digital distractions, his message resonated with many parents who worry that childhood itself is becoming more isolated, pressured, and emotionally fragmented.
The larger warning is clear: if families lose meaningful human connection, no amount of academic success or technological advancement can fully replace it.
