On February 9, 2026, Mirsadiq Muxtarov, staff member of Khazar University's Psychology Department and psychologist at the Khazar Psychological Service Center, appeared on the "Problem" program broadcast on REAL TV. During the program, the psychologist discussed phone and gaming addiction in children and adolescents, and the role of parental supervision.
He emphasized that strict prohibitions alone cannot be considered a solution, particularly for these age groups. According to the psychologist, prohibitions can lead to covert usage behavior and distancing from parents among children. In such cases, children may continue using phones and games without sharing this with their parents. The psychologist noted that a child's inclination toward games or phones is often related to unmet needs in real life, such as attention, love, being heard, and feeling valued. In this regard, the primary responsibility of parents is to try to resolve the problem not through prohibition, but by understanding the underlying causes.
Mirsadiq Muxtarov emphasized the importance of implementing age-appropriate supervision for children, noting that setting screen time limits is particularly significant during adolescence. The psychologist also referenced social learning theory, noting that parents serve as role models for their children through their own behavior. He specifically emphasized that parents' attention to their own phone usage plays a crucial role in forming healthy behaviors in children.
You can watch the full version of the live broadcast by following the link below: