Latest news with #Mental
CNN
21-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Don't give children under age 13 smartphones, new research says
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Parents should avoid preteens' use of smartphones and social media, according to new research. A study released Monday found that using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids' mental health. Smartphone use by children younger than 13 was associated with suicidal thoughts, worse emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, especially among girls, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. For every year before age 13 that a person acquired a smartphone, their mental health and well-being were likely to be lower, the study found. That's likely because the kids who used smartphones before turning 13 accessed social media more and experienced sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, according to the study. The data is based on self-reports in a survey of nearly 2 million people in 163 countries. The results were so stark that the researchers called for global restrictions to prevent children younger than 13 from using smartphones and social media. 'This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to,' said lead study author Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, the nonprofit that runs the survey. While previous research focused on how smartphone use is related to anxiety and depression, this survey looked at symptoms not commonly studied, including emotional regulation and self-worth, and found they are very significant, said Thiagarajan, who is based in Arlington, Virginia. The results were self-reported, which means they weren't independently verified by researchers. In addition, the study can't pinpoint what types of smartphone use drove the results and can't account for how they might change as technologies evolve, Thiagarajan said. Still, this research certainly has me convinced it's a terrible idea to give kids smartphones before age 13. When I speak to parents in schools, parent groups and other community spaces, I suggest not letting kids use social media until age 16. Solid research out of the United Kingdom shows that using social media during puberty is associated with lower life-satisfaction a year later. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt also suggested waiting until age 16 to let kids use social media in his best-selling book 'The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.' While it may seem near impossible to hold off this long, it won't be if we talk to the parents of our kids' friends and collectively agree not to allow our children to use social apps until this age. In all of my talks across the country as an expert on how social media affects women and girls, I have yet to meet a single parent or guardian who has said they're excited for their kid to use social media. Instead, they worry their kids will be deprived of social opportunities if they're not on social media. That's why getting the parents of their friends involved is the key. The group Wait Until 8th has created a pledge parents can sign collectively promising not to let kids use smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Other groups have created similar pledges. 'Check to see if there is one in your community, and if not and it feels important to you, consider starting one,' said Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center in New Jersey who was not involved in the study. 'Even if people aren't already talking about it, they may be relieved if you start the conversation.' In addition, 'parents could seek schools for their children with stronger policies around smartphones on campus' or push for better policies in their kids' schools, Thiagarajan said. But the researchers warned that parents can't solve these problems individually without societal solutions. After all, even if I don't allow my daughters to use social media before age 16 and convince their friends' parents to do the same, that won't stop them from being exposed to these apps by other kids on places like the school bus or after-school events. That's why parents 'could also be a more active voice in the debates on regulation,' Thiagarajan said. If you have already let your child use a smartphone before age 13 or are just worried about the results, 'don't panic,' Greenberg said. 'If you are concerned but don't notice any of these symptoms in your child, you can still talk to them to let them know that some people struggle with anxiety, low self-worth and intense emotions,' she said. 'You can let them know that there is help available should they ever need it, and you can invite them to come to you if they are ever struggling or need support.' If you do notice these symptoms in your child, find a licensed professional who can help, she said. What happens if your child already has a smartphone? 'You may feel stuck when you read things like this because you feel like you can't go back,' Greenberg said. That's not true. 'Don't be afraid to change course if you feel like what you've already done isn't working for your child or for your family,' she said. Parents can think about options such as using parental controls, switching to a flip phone, or deleting apps or features, Greenberg said. Of course, kids may not react pleasantly to such a change, but don't let that stop you from acting if you think it would benefit them, she said. Parents can use this script, Greenberg suggested: 'When we first gave you your smartphone, there were things we didn't know about how it might impact you. There are a lot of scientists and doctors who are doing research on the effects smartphones are having on kids, and we're learning a lot more than we knew before. We have to make some changes because we want to make sure that we're doing the healthiest thing for you.' If kids get upset, be sympathetic to their concerns, she said. 'Adults don't always respond in the most mature way when you take something away or ask them to change a habit, and we can't expect that our kids will either,' Greenberg said. She suggested parents talk about your own struggles to get your smartphone use right as a way of (literally) connecting and acknowledging that it's difficult for all of us to resist their pull. What can you do now that you know it could be quite dangerous to allow young kids to use smartphones? If your child doesn't yet have one, start talking to other parents in your community to collectively agree not to let your kids get them until they're older. Keeping our kids away from smartphones could be one of the smartest decisions parents make. EDITOR'S NOTE: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book 'Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back' was published in 2024.
IOL News
22-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Youth empowerment takes centre stage at health event in Soweto
Dr Sindile Mathebula, founder of the international organisation Royal Table Global Consult, in collaboration with Faith Ministry, led breast cancer and palliative care event held in Soweto on Saturday. Image: Supplied Young people need to be nurtured, encouraged and protected. The are the words of former Miss SA, Augustine Chuene, who on Saturday spent her day encouraging young people from Ezimbuzini informal settlement during an uplifting Breast and Reproductive Health Impact on Mental Health panel conversation event held at the iconic Eyethu Shopping Centre's Heritage Hall in Soweto. The event which gave young girls a head-start on the importance of taking care of their bodies was organised by an international organisation Royal Table Global Consult, and Faith Ministry led by Dr Sindile Mathebula. "For me, being part of this event was a no-brainer as I have known Dr Mathebula from church for a long time. Besides that, I am from Soweto. I grew up here and like the young people who are here, I was a young girl just like them. Encouraging young people is a passion of mine as I am involved in various programmes. Teenagers are still finding themselves and their true identities and they need to be guided, encouraged and upskilled as their future does not depend on their circumstances," said Chuene. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Dr. Tshidi Lelaka, the CEO of Coaching & Consulting for Access to Community Resources, along with Chaplain Palesa Mashapa a breast health expert and founder of Aura of Grace, Lihle Malinga, Nonhlanhla Malinga and Sibusiswe Manintakhubu also joined Chuene as motivational speakers. They shared valuable insights on health, self-advocacy and the importance of early detection for breast cancer. "You must not be afraid to stand in front of the mirror and familiarise yourself with the size and shape of your breast. You must touch your breast so that you know how they are so that should anything happen, you know as soon as possible what to do. We encourage girls to examine themselves in order to detect signs of breast cancer as early as possible," Mashapa said. "We are launching this event to restore the dignity, worth, and value of the girl child in the Ezimbuzini informal settlement," she stated, emphasising the urgent need to provide basic necessities such as decent underwear and support for period insecurity. Additional efforts will aim to supply school uniforms and stationery for these young girls, addressing fundamental barriers to education. 'We are launching this event to be a vehicle that will restore the dignity, worth and value of the girl child particularly in the Ezimbuzini informal settlement based in Soweto. The basic needs of the girls include having decent underwear, address period insecurity, including providing school uniform and stationery for them," Mathebula said.
Hamilton Spectator
17-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Identify problems early': Peel Region appears set to update plan to address complex social issues
Peel Region council appears set to approve an updated Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan aimed at improving how the region addresses complex social issues such as mental health, addictions, youth violence, systemic discrimination and family violence. The plan was endorsed at the June 12 meeting — although not formally adopted. A walkout by Caledon and Brampton councillors on a separate issue meant the plan did not receive final approval. It is set to return for formal approval at a later meeting. The refreshed plan builds on the region's 2020—2024 strategy and aims for a more flexible, community-informed approach to respond to emerging community needs. The update comes amid growing concern over service gaps, including lengthy wait times for children and youth in need of mental health counselling and supports. The CSWB Plan is a provincially mandated strategy designed to improve public safety by addressing the root causes of harm before they escalate. Rather than relying solely on crisis response, the plan focuses on prevention, early intervention and social development through co-ordinated community partnerships. 'This is more than a plan, it's a movement,' said Sharon Mayne, chief executive officer of Catholic Family Services of Peel Dufferin and co-chair of the CSWB's Mental Health and Addictions Action Table, delegating at the June 12 council meeting. Peel's original plan, adopted in 2020, reached the end of its scheduled cycle last year. The 2025 update retains its five core priorities — mental health and addictions, family violence, systemic discrimination, youth violence and support for international students — but incorporates feedback from more than 40 interviews and consultations, along with a review of similar plans across Ontario. The primary change is a new 'adaptive model' of implementation that emphasizes stronger collaboration between institutions and community groups. According to regional staff, the model aims to improve early detection of harm by combining data with local knowledge, while also making responses more targeted and culturally relevant. 'This model will help us identify problems early, by listening closely to our communities, and working together to drive real effective action,' said Liz Estey Noad, program director of Health Equity, Partnerships, and Innovation at Peel Region. Representatives from different organizations delegated in support of the plan, including Peel Children's Aid Society and Our Place Peel. 'The community safety well-being refresh will allow our community to continue in collaboration and collective impact, de-silo our efforts and rebuild trust in systems and co-create equitable opportunities with youth and community members across Peel,' said Danni Mills, director of Strategic Partnerships and Youth Advocacy at Our Place Peel. One delegate, Michelle Bilek from the Peel Poverty Action Group, raised concerns about what she saw as the limited role of grassroots residents in shaping Peel's updated Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan. 'I was struck by the lack of community representation that was reflected in the leadership,' Bilek said. She also called for Indigenous inclusion in CSWB leadership. Commissioner of Health Services Nancy Polsinelli thanked Bilek for her remarks and informed her that staff were taking notes. The updated CSWB Plan will be implemented in phases, guided by the CSWB Secretariat and System Leadership Table, with a focus on early identification of issues, data-informed decision-making that includes lived experience, and localized, equity-oriented responses. To support this work, the region says it plans to strengthen partnerships with grassroots organizations, integrate efforts across sectors, and build stronger feedback loops between community needs and institutional action. Staff told council that one of the goals is to reduce overreliance on crisis-based services by investing in 'upstream' interventions — such as youth programs, mental health supports, and culturally relevant services — that address root causes. 'Currently, over 550 families are waiting for intensive counselling and/or supports. And 90 per cent of children and youth will wait between 158 days to 1,100,' said Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO of Peel Children's Aid Society. 'Our children and youth can't wait that long.' The updated model will continue to align with existing strategies like Peel Regional Police's 'Our Way Forward,' which includes programs such as the Youth Engagement Strategy, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Teams, and the Vulnerable Person Registry. If approved at a subsequent meeting, staff will report back on implementation progress through future updates to council. The plan is designed to remain flexible and evolve alongside changing community needs and feedback from service users. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
News18
11-06-2025
- News18
Real-Life Gangs Of Wasseypur: 'Mental', Friends Seen In 'Obscene Acts With Women'. Kill Man For...
Bareilly Crime: 'Mental' and his accomplices killed the man who objected to their 'obscene behaviour' with two women. For those who have been fascinated by names like 'Definite', 'Perpendicular', 'Tangent' in Anurag Kashyap's film 'Gangs of Wasseypur' need to be rest assured such names do exist in India. Yes, it's quite common in the northern belt consisting of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. And here we have a real-life proof. Two days ago, UP police arrested a person named 'Mental' in Bareilly. His story, in fact, seems to be similar to Gangs of Wasseypur's Sardar Khan, known as a womaniser criminal. 'Mental' aka Akash Sharma along with his accomplices brought two unidentified women to the terrace of an under-construction house and were 'seen engaging in obscene acts" while intoxicated. A couple living nearby objected when the 'noise escalated". However, the husband and wife ended up losing their lives. According to a report in Times of India, 31-year-old Shivshakti Pathak from Bareilly's Cantonment area was allegedly murdered by 'Mental' and two of his accomplices after he objected to their 'obscene behaviour" with two women. The matter came to light following a police complaint by Shivshakti's brother Sudhanshu Pathak after the victim died during treatment on Sunday. Sudhanshu, who lives in Chetna Colony, identified two of the accused — Akash Sharma, also known as 'Mental', and Deepak Yadav. The third suspect is believed to be their associate from Nakatia, a small village in the neighborhood of Pilibhit city. According to the complaint, around 10.30pm on June 3, the three men brought two unidentified women to the terrace of a house under construction, opposite Shivshakti's residence. They allegedly performed 'obscene acts" while intoxicated. When the noise grew louder, Shivshakti and his wife Pooja objected. In retaliation, the trio reportedly forced their way into the Pathaks' home and fatally assaulted Shivshakti. They also attacked Pooja and stole Shivshakti's gold chain, said Sudhanshu. Cantt police have registered a murder case and initiated a search for the suspects. Akash alias 'Mental' is known to have a criminal history and is feared in the locality. Inspector Rajesh Kumar was quoted as saying that the case appears suspicious, and since the post-mortem report did not confirm the cause of death, a viscera sample has been preserved. Police noted that local residents have not provided any information, and the investigation continues.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Men's Health Week Chance To Check In On Your Mental Health
Minister for Mental Health Men's Health Week is a good and timely reminder that no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid to reach out for support with their mental health challenges in their time of need, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. 'New Zealand has made strides over the last couple of decades in reducing stigma and discrimination when it comes to talking about mental health in New Zealand, however we know that there's still more work needed to continue breaking down the barriers,' Mr Doocey says. 'We know men are less likely to reach out for help and are overrepresented in New Zealand's suicide statistics. This Government is working at pace to increase access to support so we can ensure when people are reaching out for support, they receive it when and where they need it. 'However, we know that there are still too many Kiwis who aren't reaching out in their time of need. That is why this Government is making help more accessible through grassroots organisations and nationally available digital and telehealth services. 'More people are now able to access free counselling sessions through Gumboot Friday, we've used the Mental Health Innovation Fund to scale up and support great initiatives like Mates in Construction, YouthLine and the Mental Health Foundation. 'This Government has also boosted spending on mental health in the Budget and prioritised frontline services, strengthened the focus on early intervention and prevention to take action earlier when someone is confronting a challenge. 'As New Zealand's first Minister for Mental Health, I've been leading a programme of work to improve access to support and make sure we have the workforce to answer the call when someone needs help. 'Whether it's men's health week or any other day, talking to your mates, family or a mental health practitioner, I would encourage you to have the conversation about how you're really doing. The first step is often the hardest but it's important to remember asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.'
