DefinePK

Abstract

According to the most recent census, Pakistan's population has reached approximately 241.5 million, with children under the age of 14 comprising 34.6% of the total population. This significant proportion reflects the importance of children as a vital part of the nation's future. Unfortunately, children across socio-economic backgrounds—whether from impoverished or affluent families—are increasingly facing a wide range of behavioural and developmental challenges. These issues may be physical, mental, emotional, or social in nature. Contributing factors include poverty, family conflicts, lack of access to basic healthcare and education, early marriages, violence, sexual exploitation, and child labour. In the contemporary era, rapid technological changes, excessive screen time, diminishing parental interaction, and a decline in moral and social values have further intensified parenting challenges. This study aims to analyse the behavioural problems that parents encounter in raising children today, highlighting their root causes and exploring practical strategies for fostering a healthy, balanced, and nurturing environment for children. As children are the shared asset of our society, ensuring their mental well-being and proper development is a collective responsibility that must not be overlooked.