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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘No longer just gaming': Bengaluru's Nimhans warns of rising digital dependencies as more teens seek help for social media fixation
The SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) clinic at Bengaluru's Nimhans, which treats technology addiction, has flagged a worrying trend — an increasing number of young people are seeking help for compulsive social media use, live-streaming obsessions, and online trading, marking a shift from the earlier dominance of gaming-related cases. While gaming disorder still remains prevalent, clinicians at SHUT say they see a surge in cases tied to newer digital addictions, particularly linked to social media and fan-based live-streaming platforms. Many teenagers spend excessive time and money on such platforms, seeking validation from online creators or getting hooked on features like virtual gifting, paid subscriptions, and endless scrolling. 'We're getting more cases where young users are becoming emotionally attached to content creators on live-streaming apps. They spend hours watching streams, chatting, and even sending virtual gifts. It's no longer just gaming,' said Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, a clinical psychologist at the clinic. Such apps often allow users to pay for virtual interactions with creators, encouraging prolonged use. According to Dr Sharma, these digital spaces can foster unhealthy dependencies, especially among adolescents facing loneliness or low self-esteem. 'Many of these youngsters say they are drawn in because they feel connected or validated through these interactions,' he said. The clinic has also recorded a rise in cases involving compulsive use of short-video apps and social media platforms such as Instagram, where features like reels, stories, and likes keep users constantly engaged. However, these cases rarely involve just one platform. 'Most teens seeking help don't have a single addiction. Someone coming in for gaming is often also spending hours on social media, binge-watching videos, or accessing adult content. It's a cluster of behaviours,' Dr Sharma explained. Parental concerns over such behaviours have also intensified post-pandemic. Many families approaching SHUT report difficulty in regulating their children's screen use, especially with the added lure of social validation and peer competition on social media. 'Parents often come to us saying their child is irritable, isolated, or distracted, and when we assess, we find excessive engagement with multiple apps, not just games. It's increasingly about chasing followers, likes, and online approval,' Dr Sharma said. The clinic's approach to such cases combines cognitive-behavioural therapy, family counselling, and digital detox plans. However, Dr Sharma noted that many of these cases are rooted in deeper emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or poor self-esteem, which drive teens towards excessive screen use as an escape. 'Many are using social media or live-streaming to cope with stress or loneliness, which becomes a cycle—the more they use, the worse their mood gets, pushing them further into these platforms,' he said. Peer pressure plays a crucial role in fuelling these addictions. Many teens feel compelled to stay online to avoid being excluded from group chats or viral trends. 'There's a clear 'fear of missing out' factor here. One child might have limits set by parents, but their friends are online till late, and they don't want to feel left out,' he added. Dr Sharma stressed that addressing such addictions requires more than just restricting screen time—it involves fostering better communication at home, setting realistic digital boundaries, and addressing the underlying psychological triggers. SHUT's team has been working with schools to raise awareness about social media overuse and digital burnout. They advise a four-step strategy for families: recognising problematic usage, understanding its causes, replacing screen time with offline activities, and seeking help when needed. 'There's no going back on technology, but we need to build digital hygiene. Children and teens must learn when to step back, and families need to be part of that process,' Dr Sharma said. Mehak Singh is an intern with The Indian Express.
United News of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Samar K Mukherjee Directs World's First Menopause-Focused Film with Kamya Punjabi and Deepshikha Nagpal
Press Releases » World's first mainstream feature on menopause begins production in Mumbai. New Delhi [India], June 11: A historic cinematic moment unfolded today as the muhurat of 'Me No Pause Me Play' was held in Madh, Mumbai, marking the beginning of a first-of-its-kind global film focused entirely on a subject long neglected by both cinema and society — menopause. The film is directed by Samar K Mukherjee and written & produced by Manoj Kumar Sharma. The project is co-produced by Suraj Singh Mas, Shakil Qureshi and Manoj Kumar Sharma have penned the screenplay and dialogues, while Akram Khan serves as the Director of Photography. and executive produced by Shweta Mukherjee, under the banners of Mirrro Films and Digifilming, with Reliance Entertainment as the official digital Marketing partner Headed by Sandeep Yadav. Led by acclaimed actors Kamya Punjabi, Deepshikha Nagpal, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Karan Singh Chhabra, Arkham Abbasi, Indu Solanki, Stuti Goyal, Kajal Sharma, Manu Malik, Suraj Singh Mas, Moninder Singh dhanjal, Anshu Katariya, Ivaan Maran, Lalita Kumar, Arham Abbasi, Kajal sharma, Shibani Rambhad, Saurabh Bansal, Shivaji Ramchandrarao Kshirsagar, Vikrant meghwal, Kamaal Malik, Anup Kumar Mishra, Indu Solanki, Reena Bhattachaarya, Shilpa Anil Nailk, Stuti Vinkle, RAMESH PALIWAL, Abhishek Singh, and featuring an important cameo by Amiee Misobbah, the film is based on the globally acclaimed book Me No Pause Me Play, which has already touched the lives of thousands of women and sparked an essential conversation around a topic long kept in the shadows — menopause. In a world where women's health issues are often brushed aside, Me No Pause Me Play takes a bold stand by addressing menopause — a phase that affects every woman, yet remains shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation. Mood swings, anxiety, body pain, emotional breakdowns, hormonal imbalances — these are not just symptoms, but lived realities that deserve acknowledgment, care, and compassion. Speaking about the project, director Samar K Mukherjee shared: 'Cinema has the power to reflect society's truths — and the truth is, menopause is real, painful, and ignored. This film is not just about a woman's transformation; it's about society's awakening. It's time we stop whispering about menopause and start talking about it with dignity and honesty.' Writer and producer Manoj Kumar Sharma added: 'As a writer, I always believed stories can heal, stories can liberate. Menopause is not just a medical phase — it's a deeply emotional and psychological journey that women go through silently. Through this film, I want to give them a voice, a sense of belonging, and a reason to be proud of their strength. Me No Pause Me Play is a tribute to every woman who has lived through pain without ever demanding recognition.' The makers describe this film as more than just cinema — it is a movement to normalize the conversation around menopause. For the first time in global cinema, a mainstream narrative puts the spotlight on what millions of women endure, often in isolation. Speaking at the muhurat, Kamya Punjabi said:'It's time to break the silence. Menopause is not a pause to life — it's a transition that deserves support, visibility, and respect.' 'Me No Pause Me Play is a beautiful film with a subject that speaks to every woman. Just like we acknowledge the hormonal and emotional changes teenagers go through during puberty, it's equally important to understand the transformation women experience during menopause — especially after the age of 45. Emotional support during this time is crucial, and as a woman, I feel it's my responsibility to be part of a story that empowers others. That's why I said yes to this film. It's written so thoughtfully — reminding us that life doesn't pause with menopause. You pause, reflect, and play again. That's the message, and I'm proud to be part of a project that inspires strength, resilience, and self-love.' — Deepshikha Nagpal* Me No Pause Me Play is more than a film — it is a movement for awareness, empathy, and empowerment.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Unlocking Childhood Through Free Play: Celebrating Joy, Curiosity And Connection
Remember the magic of your own childhood? Climbing trees, inventing games, chasing butterflies, or simply daydreaming under the sky. Those carefree moments weren't just fun—they were formative. Today, however, the sounds of outdoor laughter are being replaced by the quiet hum of screens. Childhood is changing. But it doesn't have to. Why Play Matters—Now More Than Ever From the moment a child is born, play becomes their language. It's how they explore, connect, and understand the world. Experts say the first 3,000 days of life —from conception to age eight —are crucial for brain development. And during this window, play is not optional; it's essential. Bachpan Manao: A Movement to Reclaim Childhood Recognizing the urgent need to reconnect children with the joy of unstructured play, EkStep and NDTV have launched 'Bachpan Manao'—a nationwide movement celebrating childhood through free play and less screen time. The goal? To help parents, educators, and communities rediscover the power of play as a tool for joyful learning. Dr. Amit Sen, a Senior Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, captures it perfectly: 'When a child engages in play, it isn't just about joy. It's about building connections in the brain that last a lifetime.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by NDTV (@ndtv) Indeed, science backs this up. Play activates the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), amygdala (emotional regulation), cerebellum (motor coordination), and hippocampus (memory formation). In short, when a child plays, their whole brain lights up. From Solitary Play to Team Games: Every Stage Matters As children grow, their style of play evolves—from stacking blocks alone to creating imaginary worlds with friends. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology, explains: 'Play is a method of exploration—of self, interests, and the outside world. From solitary play in early years to team-based games later, each stage supports connectivity, communication, and holistic growth.' But there's a growing concern: screens are replacing swings, and passive scrolling is replacing pretend play. Dr. Sharma recommends 'digital fasting'—setting aside screenfree time each day for offline, sensory-rich activities. Learning from the Little Teachers Harpreet Singh Grover, a parent and independent researcher, offers a refreshing perspective: 'To children, everything is play. There's no division in their mind between tasks and play. For example, sorting vegetables at home can become a beautiful moment of learning and bonding.' His advice? Turn everyday moments into playful ones. Let your child help in the kitchen, splash in puddles, or make up stories under the stars. And whenever possible, take it outside. 'Children thrive when they can roam under a tree or chase a butterfly,' Harpreet adds. Simple Play, Big Impact You don't need expensive toys or elaborate plans. Dipali Som, a content creator and former teacher, believes that the simplest activities make the biggest difference. 'Among the best are pretend play, drawing, colouring, sorting, sensory bins, water play, and outdoor games.' These activities ignite creativity, boost emotional well-being, and strengthen the parent-child bond. Letting Kids Be Kids At its heart, Bachpan Manao is a gentle reminder to pause, unplug, and play. Because when we let kids be kids— messy, curious, imaginative, and free—we're not just nurturing their childhood. We're shaping confident, empathetic, and resilient adults. So next time you see your child build a castle out of cushions or turn a stick into a magic wand, don't interrupt. Join in. Laugh with them. Learn from them. Childhood is fleeting, but play makes it unforgettable.
