Jaipur : Mumbai writer Vineetha, who came to Jaipur Bookru Fest, wrote ‘Hug Your Self’ book after 4 years of research, insecurity among children is increasing due to perfect looks. In the digital age, having a smartphone in the hands of children has now become a normal thing. But do you know how serious problems excessive use of this technology can cause for them? Among 10-19 year old children active on social media worldwide, 1 in every 7 children is suffering from mental disorders. Due to ‘perfect’ looks and lifestyle shown on social media, insecurity about themselves is increasing among children.
They start comparing their pictures and bodies with others, due to which cases of body shaming are increasing. This situation is causing mental pressure and depression in children. Mumbai-based writer Vineetha has written the book ‘Hug Your Self’ on this growing problem. Before this she has written 30 books. It has 16 fiction stories on 21 body parts like hair, obesity, complexion, nose, face etc. It has been written after 4 years of research, which was recently presented to the children in the ‘Bukru Festival’ organized at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.
Every teenager is struggling with his body on social media
In a conversation with writer Vineetha, the world of adolescence has changed a lot. In four years of research, I found that most teenagers are not happy with their bodies. They feel that nothing is perfect in their body. Every teenager active on social media is struggling. There may be less solutions in these 16 stories written in the book, but there is definitely motivation. Till now I have written 30 books on different subjects.
Source: Research by Paresh Kumar, social researcher and co-founder and CEO of DevInsight.
Depression statistics; 13 percent children have mental health problems
Not only in India, but around the world, about 13% of children aged 10-19 years are suffering from mental health problems, a large portion of whom are suffering from depression and anxiety. According to WHO report, suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death among youth aged 15-29 years. These figures clearly show this growing crisis.
Open conversation} Children should be told about both the advantages and disadvantages of social media. Banning use without any reason increases negativity.
Fear of addiction: Excessive use leads to addiction. It activates the ‘record center’ of the brain and releases dopamine. Due to this, children check their phones again and again.
Body Shaming} The increasing trend of looking beautiful and fit is affecting their mental health. They feel inferior to others.
Lack of sleep and addiction} Social media is also affecting children’s sleep. Due to late night use of phone and viewing posts related to looks, one cannot get complete sleep.
Controlling screen time: Reducing children’s screen time and engaging them in other activities, so that they can stay out of the influence of social media.
Promoting Body Positivity }To develop positive thinking in children towards their body, so that they can accept themselves and get out of the pressure of social media.
Effect on studies: Children’s attention is being diverted from studies due to the ‘perfect’ looks and lifestyle seen on social media. His performance is weakening.
Solution; Take these steps to protect children from this pressure
Social media is affecting teenagers in this way
