SCREEN TIME: Parents and children should work together to create a balance between online gaming and other healthy habits. Playing games for hours can harm children’s health. It can cause problems, like eye strain, tiredness and lack of sleep. Moreover, it reduces physical activity, which is important for children. Without enough physical movement, their muscles and bones might not develop properly. Additionally, it can lead to weight-gain and other health issues. Too much screen time can also affect their social skills, as they might not get enough face-to-face interaction.

Noroz Zahid
Hub

MOURNING TREES: Upon a recent visit to the H-8 graveyard, I was shocked to see that three big, old trees had been ruthlessly chopped down. One of them was a red silk cotton tree which had flowered profusely in the spring earlier in the year. This had been done at the request of someone who wanted to put a marble on an existing grave which was being obstructed by a tree. Besides, eight or nine graves were also damaged in the process. It is quite unbelievable that in this age of climate change, three healthy trees are unceremoniously removed just to please someone.

Hendrina Khan
Islamabad

BALANCED APPROACH: This is with reference to the article ‘On coercive control’ (Nov 27), which seemed to reflect misandry, deepening gender divisions, instead of promoting empathy and equality. While it is important to address women’s struggles, blaming all men for societal ills fosters division and hatred. Men, like women, face emotional distress, trauma and societal pressures, which can lead to severe psychological strain. Despite many years of activism, crime against women persists, indica- ting that the issue is complex, and requires a comprehensive approach. It is unfortunate that men are often judged collectively for the actions of a few, while a similar stance towards women would be deemed unjust.

Dr Saif Ali Kakepoto
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2025