North South University Department of Public Health
Counseling and Wellbeing Center (CWC) of North South University (NSU) in collaboration with the Public Health and Sciences Club (PHSC) organized a workshop titled “Digital Wellbeing and Managing Screen Addiction” for students. The event took place on April 9 at the Syndicate Hall of NSU.
In his opening remarks, head of the North South University Department of Public Health Ejaz Bin Sharif emphasized that although digital devices have become an inseparable part of modern life, their mindful and controlled use is crucial. He questioned whether children should have unrestricted access to screens and pointed out that many adults are also increasingly engaged in unnecessary scrolling, where passive content consumption often replaces meaningful interaction.
Dr. Sumaiya Khaled lecturer in the NSU Department of Public Health and faculty advisor of PHSC, highlighted that spending more than four hours a day on screens may indicate problematic usage. She explained that excessive screen time can negatively impact academic performance and contribute to issues such as loneliness, peer pressure, and the tendency to seek validation through social media reactions. She also drew attention to physical health concerns, including “text neck,” and urged students not to waste valuable time on screens.
NSU CWC Assistant Director and Senior Student Counselor Md. Shafawat Hossain explained that screen addiction often begins as a harmless habit but gradually develops into dependence. What initially feels relaxing can eventually become compulsive behavior. He discussed the concept of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which drives many young people to stay constantly connected, and noted that this can lead to nomophobia—anxiety experienced when separated from mobile devices or the internet—resulting in psychological dependence.
The workshop also included interactive, activity-based sessions conducted by CWC team members. These sessions demonstrated how social media platforms encourage users to seek external validation, often leading to unconscious dependency. Despite being digitally connected, individuals are becoming increasingly isolated in real life. Participants were encouraged to develop self-awareness, critically evaluate their online behavior, and prioritize real-world relationships.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdul Khalek of North South University Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between digital engagement and personal well-being. He noted that excessive screen time disrupts natural biological processes, including sleep and concentration, largely due to prolonged exposure to blue light. He recommended simple practices such as looking away from screens for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain.
Participants described the workshop as a valuable initiative that combined practical strategies with scientific insights and real-life experiences. It encouraged them to reflect on their digital habits and adopt healthier, more balanced lifestyles.
Students also shared personal challenges, noting that excessive screen use has reduced their ability to concentrate on studies and daily tasks. Some admitted struggling with procrastination, while others mentioned a decline in confidence, highlighting the broader impact of screen dependency on their lives.
