Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- A number of adolescents have developed various mental health disorders as a result of excessive dependence on mobile phones, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Senani Wijethunga has stated.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (26) in response to a query, Dr. Wijethunga explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, school education was conducted through online platforms due to restrictions on social interaction.

Accordingly, children gradually developed excessive and uncontrolled patterns of mobile phone usage, which has now emerged as a serious concern, she noted. Dr. Wijethunga added that such behavioral addictions have resulted in adolescents being referred for clinical intervention and treatment.

Dr. Wije...