During the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the pressing issue of parental pressure on students. He advised parents not to use their children as models to showcase within society, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing each child's unique strengths.
PM Modi highlighted how constant comparison can lead to unnecessary stress and hinder personal growth. He encouraged parents to support their children's individual interests and talents to create an environment where they can truly thrive without undue pressure. "Don't compare your children to others," Modi stressed during his impactful talk.
Also notable was the expert guidance on managing children's screen time delivered by Prakriti Poddar, the global head of mental health and well-being for Roundglass Living. Many parents find themselves at odds with their children, frequently frustrated by their screen addiction. "Trying to cut off the flow of technology entirely isn’t practical—or even helpful. The goal isn’t elimination, but balance," Poddar shared, highlighting how technology is now deeply woven through daily life.
The discussion about screen time led to broader insights on the negative consequences of excessive phone use on children's mental and physical well-being. With screen time increasing at alarming rates, parents are inevitably seeking constructive ways to address substance reliance by their children toward their gadgets.
Poddar gave several practical suggestions for building healthy tech habits. Instead of trying to completely uproot screen involvement, she recommends focusing on managing screen time. For parents, creating dopamine-boosting offline experiences can make the real world just as compelling as the digital one. She mentions allowing kids to design their own 'quests,' making real-world activities exciting and rewarding.
Poddar also urged parents to establish screen-free zones within the home, allowing for natural unplugging moments. Setting devices aside during family meals or bedtime can help preserve important interactions and promote healthy routines. Likewise, modeling mindful tech use is key. Children often mirror adult behavior, so it's important to demonstrate how to engage with technology intentionally.
Implicitly encouraging boredom can also be beneficial. According to Poddar, "Boredom is a natural, healthy emotion," which can fuel creativity and curiosity, allowing children to navigate their expectations more effectively.
When addressing the challenge of having children disengage from their devices, traditional parenting approaches may not yield the best results. Poddar warned against the typical method of simply yanking devices away, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms due to abrupt dopamine crashes. Instead, she advocates for smoother transitions utilizing techniques such as the 'digital off-ramp.' This method allows children to choose how much time they need to wind down, reducing resistance and empowering them with control.
Facilitated interactions where parents can help children breathe and regain focus when experiencing overstimulation create conducive environments. The emphasis is on co-regulating emotions and helping children regain control before any power struggles emerge.
PM Modi echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of accepting children for who they are and recognizing their own strengths. He also suggested having hobbies alongside academic pursuits, using an analogical comparison of stress being like a pressure cooker— if it’s not managed, it can lead to dangerously explosive results.
“Just like you don’t abandon a pet because you’re busy, don’t give up hobbies during exams,” he said, advocating for balance during academic pressures.
Finally, both Modi and Poddar's insights convey how fostering supportive relationships at home, whether by managing technology or nurturing children's strengths, can greatly benefit their overall well-being. Such strategies not only alleviate undue pressures on children but also encourage them to embrace their unique paths, enabling them to thrive.