Why are parents using melatonin to help their kids sleep?
What you should know about melatonin for sleep problems in children – International Pediatric Sleep Association
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Sitting down for dinner? Make room for three screens! Brit families are relying on iPads and phones to get through meal times, study reveals
The modern family dinner is, it seems, a hive of communication – just not with each other. There are now an average of three devices being used at mealtimes, according to a study. Nearly two thirds of children are watching TV at the dinner table, while 42 per cent are scrolling on TikTok and 27 per cent are using Snapchat. Some 83 per cent of the 2,000 parents surveyed by Bupa said they'd like to ban screens at mealtimes but just 13 per cent have done so. However, 64 per cent of mums and dads admitted to using WhatsApp or texting at the dinner table while 30 per cent were looking at online shopping. Seventy per cent admit to using screens as a crutch to get them through mealtimes, with 63 percent of kids watching children's TV, 39 percent regularly looking at YouTube or cartoons - and 16 percent playing games or looking at TikTok on a phone or tablet. But 52 per cent of parents feel more conversations over dinner would be good for everyone's mental health - and 21 percent wish their children would talk to them about their feelings over mealtimes. And the report shows as many as one in ten (12 percent) parents feel the summer holidays make it even harder to have real conversations, especially at the dinner table, while 80 percent would love to talk more with their family about everyone's days. Bupa has launched new colouring-in tablemats designed to encourage mindfulness and spark conversations around mental health. Dr Elizabeth Rogers, associate clinical director at BupaHealth Clinics, said, 'It's clear from the research that parents really want to help their children open up and chat to them about their mental health and wellbeing, and sometimes it's hard to get away from screens to have those conversations. 'Whether you're eating at the dinner table or on laps in the living room, being together at mealtimes is a great opportunity to make space for conversations about your family's mental health.' Over a third (36 percent) wish they could sit down to eat together with the family more often, as they believe that nothing beats a family dinner (29 percent) and eating together is a good time to talk (28 percent). Harry Judd is an ambassador for Bupa's family mental health campaign, The Bupa Table, which encourages real families to put it all on the table and have a chance to open up and support each other through honest conversations. Harry said, 'As a parent I know the challenges of initiating those conversations about mental health and recognise that there isn't a one size fits all solution to getting someone talk about their struggles. 'No one should ever feel like they have to suffer in silence, which is why it's vital for me and my family to create that supportive space, helping my kids to understand that there is always time for us to talk, listen and check in with how everyone is feeling. It's about being present and making sure they know they can come to me whenever they're ready. 'Mindfulness is something my family practice regularly, it's important to remember that it's just as essential for children as for adults. 'Bupa's new tablemats are a great way to weave mindfulness and open conversations into our day-to-day, like at mealtimes, showing kids that their thoughts and feelings matter and that speaking about our emotional well-being is a natural part of everyday life.' The tablemats and accompanying conversation prompts can be printed at home at
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
WHO sees 'deadly' surge in malnutrition in Gaza
July 23 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization said on Wednesday it is seeing a deadly surge in malnutrition in Gaza, which has led to 21 deaths in children under five years of age since July 17.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
How new rules could tackle ‘compulsive' phone use in children
The UK government is considering implementing two-hour daily limits on social media platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat for children. Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is exploring these measures to tackle "compulsive" phone use among young people. Concerns include the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on children's sleep, concentration for studies, and overall well-being. A recent survey indicated that one in five children spend a minimum of seven hours daily using phones and tablets.
