Summer Holidays in the Age of Screens: CP Sajjanar Calls for Parental Vigilance

With summer holidays underway, Cyberabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has issued a strong advisory to parents, warning against the growing risk of digital addiction among children and its long-term impact on their mental health and overall development. In a message shared on social media platform X , he stressed that what begins as simple entertainment on smartphones can gradually turn into a serious behavioural concern, especially during long, unstructured vacation periods.

Recalling how childhood experiences have changed over the years, Sajjanar noted that summer vacations once revolved around outdoor play , family bonding, and meaningful social interactions. Today, however, those experiences are being replaced by excessive screen time , with children spending hours scrolling through reels and consuming online content. Experts have increasingly linked such habits to issues like reduced attention span, anxiety, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal , raising concerns about the long-term consequences.

The Commissioner also highlighted the rising exposure of children to cyber threats , including interactions with strangers, fake profiles , and potential online exploitation . He warned that cybercriminals often use emotional manipulation to target young users, sometimes leading to harassment, blackmail, and deep psychological distress. In recent times, authorities in Hyderabad have observed an increase in troubling incidents where children, unable to cope with emotional stress or minor reprimands, have resorted to extreme steps, including self-harm , causing immense distress to families.

Pointing to the root of the issue, Sajjanar said that a lack of parental engagement is allowing children to drift deeper into the digital world. He urged parents to actively monitor their children’s online behaviour, understand what they watch, and guide them on safe internet usage. Setting boundaries, encouraging offline hobbies, and ensuring open communication are crucial steps in preventing digital dependency and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Emphasising the importance of emotional support, especially during sensitive periods like exam results, he said that the most valuable gift parents can offer is their parental involvement , not gadgets. Technology, he added, is not inherently harmful but requires mindful and balanced use. Concluding his message, Sajjanar underscored that a child’s future largely depends on the care and vigilance of parents, whose guidance can serve as a strong shield against the growing risks of the digital age.