Indian kids under 5 spending double the safe screen time, finds study
This screen overload is not just a harmless habit. The study found that higher screen use is linked to delayed language skills, lower cognitive ability, poor social behaviour, higher obesity risk, disturbed sleep, and trouble concentrating.WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PARENTSIn many Indian households, phones and tablets are handed over to keep kids quiet during meals or meltdowns. But this may be doing more harm than good.As Dr DK Gupta from Felix Hospitals explained as per a TPI report on this student, about 60-70% of children under five are spending more time on screens than advised, which could lead to both physical and behavioural issues.He suggests parents set a better example: 'If children see their parents constantly on screens, they'll naturally want to do the same.'
SMALL CHANGES THAT CAN HELPThe AIIMS study offers a few practical ideas that parents can start with:Create tech-free zones in your home (like bedrooms or dinner tables)Stick to consistent screen time limits based on your child's ageMake time for active play and talking with your child every dayAvoid screens during meals or as pacifiersA recent advisory from the Chief Medical Officer in Ghaziabad also encouraged parents to get their kids outdoors and involved in social activities as a way to reduce dependency on digital devices.WHAT WE CAN DO BETTERScreen time is a growing problem, but it's not unsolvable. Experts say it's important to promote responsible digital habits early on, including showing kids what healthy screen use looks like and choosing age-appropriate content when screens are used.With so many children exposed to devices from a young age, doctors, teachers and parents need to work together to spread awareness and push for better screen hygiene. Because it's not just about turning off a screen -- it's about switching on better habits for healthier childhoods.- Ends
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The 'Porn Trap" is a term that encapsulates the potential pitfalls associated with excessive consumption of pornography. This phenomenon is characterized by a range of psychological and physiological effects that can ensnare individuals in a cycle of dependency. At its core, the Porn Trap suggests that habitual engagement with explicit content may alter one's perception of sexual relationships and decrease real-life sexual satisfaction. One significant concern with the Porn Trap is its potential impact on libido. Regular and repeated exposure to pornographic material can sometimes desensitise the brain's natural response to sexual stimuli. This desensitisation can lead to a reduction in sexual desire, as the brain becomes conditioned to expect the heightened stimulation that pornography provides. Over time, real-life intimate encounters might seem less exciting, causing a decline in libido and affecting personal relationships. This phenomenon underscores the necessity of recognising and addressing the imbalance in sexual perceptions that can arise from excessive porn consumption. Neurological Impact: The relationship between pornography consumption and libido is deeply rooted in the neurological pathways of the brain. When you engage with pornographic material, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Initially, this can enhance sexual excitement; however, excessive consumption often leads to a phenomenon known as dopamine desensitization. In simple terms, your brain starts to require more intense stimulation to achieve the same level of arousal. Habitual Consumption: For some, what begins as casual viewing can evolve into a habitual pattern, with potentially diminishing returns. Over time, this habit may lead to a decreased interest in real-world sexual interactions, as the brain becomes conditioned to the hyper-stimulating effects of pornography. 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Use Technology to Protect Yourself: Make it harder to access triggering content by using porn-blocking apps and website filters. Tools like Covenant Eyes, Cold Turkey, or BlockSite can create digital boundaries, especially during vulnerable times like late at night or when alone. Practice Mindfulness and Urge Surfing: Urges are temporary, and learning to sit with them without reacting builds your inner strength. When the impulse arises, pause, breathe, and let it pass without judgment. Mindfulness practices train you to observe rather than act on compulsions. Heal Your Relationship with Intimacy: Frequent porn use can sometimes numb real emotional and physical intimacy. Work on rebuilding deeper connections—with your partner or with yourself. Explore open conversations, emotional closeness, and mindful intimacy to reconnect with authentic desire. In navigating the complex landscape of pornography consumption, it is crucial to maintain awareness of its potential effects on your libido and expectations. As you consider the balance between healthy exploration and excessive reliance, reflect on how these habits align with your personal values and relationships. By approaching this subject with mindfulness and openness, you equip yourself to make informed decisions that honour your well-being. Ultimately, the power to shape your sexual health and expectations lies within your hands, empowering you to foster a more fulfilling and authentic connection with yourself and others. About the Author Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swasth Bharat Rattan Award and is a Certified and Licensed Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. 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