Parenting is already considered a complex task, but in this digital age, it can be like entering a foreign land. Tech-savvy teens live in a world dominated by social media trends, constant online validation, and video games, leaving parents to struggle with how best to approach conversations about mental health and technology use. Most parents discover that communication can go woefully wrong because the subtleties of technology influence and digital pressure have resulted in an emotional gap. A parently must develop a significant necessity for learning how to engage in open, meaningful mental health conversations with their techno-savvy teenager: patience, understanding, and not an unwillingness to learn.

Discussions about technology and mental health are conversations that cannot be held but need to be 'kept open.'. The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is now offering insight into how parents can open these lines of communication, which is beginning to make parents realize that having real conversations instead of lecturing can pave the way for better understanding. In this digital age, learning to connect with your teen in their world has never been more essential.

Link Between Media and Mental Health

Social media and technology have brought a total change in the lives of youngsters. How they communicate, share, and even think has altered dramatically. And all this in their life leads to consequences against mental health. As mentioned by psychologist Dr. Neerja Aggarwal, "It does take quite a mental toll.". "Social media trends define many of our decisions—and by extension, our lives. The latest addition to the Oxford Dictionary, 'brain rot,' describes the fatigue from endlessly scrolling through social media content or Instagram reels," she shares.

This constant exposure has a proven impact. Research has shown that teens who spend over three hours on social media daily face double the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Also, the instant dopamine rush created by social media on account of likes, comments, and shares may give them a dependency cycle, thereby affecting their ability to focus on face-to-face relationships. Such cycles can leave teens fighting against self-esteem, social comparison, and emotional regulation.

According to Dr. Aggarwal, parents need to be aware of these factors and find ways to engage with their teens in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations. Establishing a safe space to discuss mental health issues could mitigate these risks and further strengthen relationships. Conversations must be based on curiosity, mutual understanding, and creating boundaries rather than criticism or blame.

Initiating Conversations with Curiosity and Empathy

Another excellent tactic for engaging teens about their mental health issues while relating with the techno-savvy teenager is being curious rather than judgmental. Many parents desire to lecture about the overuse of screens and social media; however, this tends to shut down the conversation instead of opening it up. According to Dr. Aggarwal, "Be inquisitive. Ask an interesting, open-ended question so the teenager is more willing to share her experiences.". For example, asking, "What’s a cool meme you’ve seen recently?" or, "Does social media ever feel exhausting?" can help bridge the emotional gap.

The key to opening a door to better understanding can be listening without judgment. Teens face the tremendous pressure of trying to maintain a "perfect" online presence and deal with the FOMO of missing out on all the excitement around them as they view peers apparently living exciting lives online. Letting teens know it's okay to take breaks from these pressures and to prioritize their mental health is important, as Dr. Aggarwal believes.

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Technology

One of the effective ways to help teenagers' mental health can be the setting of the boundaries for the usage of technology. Dr. Hrishikesh Belsare, consulting pediatrician, points out that monitoring screen time is critical to emotional well-being. "Increased screen use may pose emotional and psychological dangers, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder. Children who are constantly glued to screens tend to be shy, receive lesser social interaction, and have aggression tendencies," she said.

Dr. Belsare emphasizes purposeful screen time that technology should not just be something used for distraction but a way to learn and grow. For example, embedding educational content or learning apps and interactive e-books would change the seemingly passive screen habit to something meaningful for learning. In doing so, kids and teenagers are associated with creativity and curiosity instead of merely mindless scrolling and seeking constant validation of likes and shares.

Parents can also include mindful practices in their daily lives, like having a family reading time, having a no-phones-at-the-dinner-table policy, or making the weekends technology-free. These practices help improve communication and create moments for connection and teens and their families to disengage from social media's constant pull.

How to Use Technology as an Ally?

While many parents fear technology, it could be a mental health ally if used thoughtfully. Digital tools such as mindfulness apps, mental health podcasts, or guided meditation sessions can empower teenagers to regulate their emotions and counteract anxiety. Introducing these tools can show that technology does not only fuel mental health risks but can also help with mental clarity, relaxation, and emotional balance.

Other family-wide initiatives like digital detoxes also make room for mental health improvements. Disconnection can be an effective lesson in moderation, as teens may relearn to enjoy the good old non-digital ways of life. Collective commitment and thoughtful engagement make it possible for parents to utilize technology as a resource instead of a barrier.

How to Create Safe Space to Talk

Dr. Aggarwal emphasizes that creating open communication is not about saving teenagers from their issues but making them feel heard and understood in a judgment-free environment. Discussions about mental health should be continuous, not a one-time intervention. Showing empathy and willingness to listen can help strengthen bonds and resolve mental health issues before they become problematic.

Dr. Belsare further adds that clear expectations about screen time without making technology the enemy are very important. Positive, nurturing boundaries can teach teens how to engage with social media and technology healthily. Conversations should never feel like punishments but opportunities for mutual learning and shared growth.

Bridging the Digital-Emotional Divide

Tech-savvy teens are surrounded by a digital world, but their mental health must remain the priority of their parents and caregivers. The challenges are real: excessive screen time, social media pressures, and the dopamine rush of likes and shares can have long-lasting effects on emotional well-being. But Dr. Aggarwal and Dr. Belsare agree: parents can make a difference by choosing understanding, empathy, and connection over judgment and criticism.

The digital age is here to stay, and so are its challenges. But with curiosity, patience, and mindful parenting strategies, parents can steer their teens toward healthy social media use and emotional resilience. It's not just about technology; it's about bonding, trust, and the proper positioning of tech-savvy teens to thrive both online and offline.

Dr. Neerja Aggarwal is a practising psychologist and co-founder of Emoneeds- a mental health platform.

Dr. Hrishikesh Belsare is a consulting Pediatrician at MEDNET Labs.

When a child struggles with constipation, the problem can ripple through the whole household, creating discomfort, stress, and frustration. While parents often worry about how many times their child goes to the bathroom, one leading pediatric expert says that frequency is not the most important measure. Instead, what matters most is stool consistency.

Consistency, Not Frequency

According to Dr. Jaya Punati, a neurogastroenterologist and co-director of the Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, constipation is often misunderstood.

“Constipation is not frequency of stooling,” she explained in a statement quoted by USA Today. “Constipation is consistency of stooling.”

Healthy stool should be soft and easy to pass, resembling a coil or soft pile—similar to the familiar “poop emoji.” Hard, dry stool, on the other hand, is a clear sign of constipation.

Normal bowel movement frequency can vary greatly among children, ranging anywhere from three times a week to three times a day. For this reason, parents should focus on how stools look and feel, not on how often bathroom visits occur.

The Role of Diet and Hydration

The first line of defense against constipation begins at the dining table. Dr. Punati highlights the importance of diet and hydration, noting that children should eat five to six servings of fruits and vegetables daily, each accompanied by a cup of water.

“Dry food, dry poop,” she emphasized, explaining that fiber-rich foods paired with water bring needed moisture into the colon, softening stool and making it easier to pass.

While fiber supplements like psyllium or flax seeds are widely available, Dr. Punati cautions parents not to rely on them as the first solution. “It’s better to eat an apple than to take a fiber pill. They’re not equivalent,” she said. Whole foods also support the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall digestive health.

Mushers and Pushers: Medication Options

For children with stubborn or chronic constipation, dietary changes may not be enough. In such cases, medication can help, and Dr. Punati categorizes treatments into two broad types: “mushers” and “pushers.”

Mushers (Osmotic laxatives): These draw water into the colon, softening stool. MiraLAX, which contains polyethylene glycol, is a common option. Other mushers include magnesium, mineral oil, and sugar syrups such as lactulose or Karo corn syrup.

Pushers (Stimulant laxatives): These trigger muscle contractions to move stool along. Options include senna, bisacodyl, and glycerin suppositories.

Dr. Punati generally recommends starting with mushers for a gentler effect before considering stimulant options.

When to Seek Medical Help

While many cases of constipation can be managed at home, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Dr. Punati advises parents to call a pediatrician if a child’s stool does not improve after a week of dietary adjustments and over-the-counter treatments.

Soiling, or involuntary leakage of liquid stool, is a sign of severe constipation. While it is not an emergency, it should prompt a doctor’s visit.

However, urgent care is needed if a child experiences severe abdominal pain and is unable to pass any stool. In such cases, Dr. Punati recommends heading straight to the emergency room.

Takeaway for Parents

Constipation in children is common, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key takeaway, experts say, is to watch stool consistency rather than frequency, ensure kids get enough fruits, vegetables, and fluids, and use medication cautiously when necessary.

If constipation persists despite home efforts, parents should not delay in seeking medical advice. As Dr. Punati told USA Today, “If you are unable to find a solution at home, you should bring it to a doctor’s attention.”

Childhood obesity is a long-term health condition that develops when a child’s weight is above the healthy range for their age, height, and sex. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors define it as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children 2 years and older. September is marked as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and India too is seeing worrying numbers, especially in cities where lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and less physical activity are driving the trend.

How Common Is Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity is not just a concern in India. In the United States, CDC data from 2017–2020 showed that about 19.7% of children and adolescents between ages 2 and 19 had obesity, roughly 14.7 million young people. Among them, 12.7% were between ages 2–5, 20.7% were 6–11, and 22.2% were 12–19.

Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital explains that in recent years, obesity among children has risen sharply due to many factors. Kids are spending more time in front of screens, getting less outdoor play, and attending online classes, all of which cut down their activity levels. At the same time, fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks have become a regular part of diets.

ALSO READ: WHO Guidelines On Weight Loss Drugs For Obesity

Modern lifestyles also encourage frequent dining out, reliance on processed meals, and irregular eating. Add limited access to safe play areas, heavy academic schedules, and family history of obesity, and the risks become even higher. Without intervention, obesity in childhood often continues into adulthood, increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and even some cancers.

Causes Of Childhood Obesity

Obesity develops when children take in more calories than they burn, but it is rarely about laziness or lack of willpower. Several factors play a role:

Genetics and epigenetics

Children with parents or siblings who have obesity are more likely to develop it themselves. Certain genes affect how the body stores and uses energy. Experiences such as trauma or stress can also change how genes work, influencing metabolism and increasing the risk.

Family and home environment factors

Habits at home strongly shape a child’s health. Having sugary drinks, eating oversized portions, frequent snacking on processed foods, dining out instead of cooking, excess screen time, lack of exercise, poor sleep, and even secondhand smoke exposure can all contribute.

ALSO READ: 3 Children In Every 4 Minutes Are Diagnosed With Cancer, That's What Makes Awareness Important Says Doctor.

Social determinants of health

The surroundings in which children grow up also matter. Affordable healthy food may not always be accessible, and fast-food outlets may be more common. Lack of transport, social support, or safe recreational areas adds to the challenge. School meals and activities also influence a child’s diet and daily routine.

Cultural factors

Advertising and marketing of fast foods and sugary drinks—whether on TV, online, or in stores, make unhealthy options more appealing to children.

How To Prevent Childhood Obesity

• Balanced nutrition: Encourage home-cooked meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit fried foods, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play or exercise daily, such as sports, cycling, or outdoor games.
• Reduced screen time: Limit television, mobile, and gaming time to help children stay active and sleep better.
• Family involvement: Lead by example—eat meals together, exercise as a family, and make health a priority.
• School initiatives: Schools should provide nutritious meals, promote physical education, and teach healthy habits.

As summers are here and so are the pool sessions, an Instagram post is making rounds on the social media platform by Ilia Ototiuk, who calls himself an ambassador of discipline, mental and physical wellbeing. The post lists down the reason why kids get sick after a swimming session. The post mentions that the reason is not water, but something else. Health And Me decided to fact check each claim made on the post, and here is what we found.

Claim #1: “The problem isn’t cold water or swallowing pool water.”

Fact Check

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swallowing or inhaling contaminated pool water can absolutely cause illness. particularly gastrointestinal infections like diarrhea. Germs such as Cryptosporidium can survive for over a week in properly treated pools. While temperature itself doesn’t directly cause colds, swallowing pool water can spread pathogens.

Also Read: India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet Study

Verdict: Cold water alone won’t give a child a cold, but contaminated water can cause infections.

Claim #2: “The real immune crash happens right after getting out. The body is warm, skin is wet...”

Fact Check

The claim that wet skin and drafts cause an “immune system shutdown” isn’t supported by medical evidence. What actually happens is explained by US Masters Swimming: sudden exposure to cold water can trigger cold water shock, affecting heart rate, breathing, and circulation. Extended exposure can lead to hypothermia or afterdrop (continued cooling even after leaving the water).

Verdict: The body does not “shut down immunity.” Instead, risks are linked to cold-water shock and hypothermia, especially if kids don’t warm up quickly after swimming.

Claim #3: “Sitting around in wet swimsuits for 5–10 minutes makes the body vulnerable.”

Fact Check

As per Texas A&M Health and the Mayo Clinic, sitting in wet swimsuits doesn’t cause colds, but it can cause fungal infections (like yeast infections or jock itch) and skin irritation from chafing. Prolonged dampness makes an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria.

Verdict: The real risk is fungal or bacterial skin infections, not colds. Parents should change kids into dry clothes quickly after swimming.

Claim #4: “Not drying hair causes sinus overload and colds.”

Fact Check

The Cleveland Clinic explains that wet hair itself does not cause colds. Viruses such as rhinovirus are the culprits, not damp scalps. While cold environments may help viruses spread more easily, wet hair is not a direct cause of runny noses, sore throats, or fevers.

Verdict: Leaving hair wet or letting it "air dry" won’t cause colds. However, drying kids’ hair after swimming can help them stay comfortable and prevent feeling chilled.

Claim #5: “Skipping post-swim snacks weakens immunity.”

Fact Check

According to the BBC 2023 report, post-exercise nutrition is important, especially within 30–60 minutes after swimming. The body needs carbohydrates to replenish glycogen and protein to repair muscles. Skipping food doesn’t directly cause infections, but poor recovery can increase fatigue and stress, making the body less resilient.

Verdict: It’s true that kids should eat a balanced snack after swimming, ideally carbs + protein, but saying “immunity weakens” without food is an exaggeration.