Kolkata, (West Bengal) [India], 31st January 2025: In response to the growing concerns surrounding children’s mental health and digital wellbeing, A K Ghosh Memorial School organized an informative workshop for the parents of Class VI students. The session aimed to provide valuable insights into the effects of excessive screen time and address the challenges posed by digital technology on children’s psychological development. Additionally, it sought to break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, a topic often overlooked in many households.
The workshop was planned as an orientation program for students transitioning from the junior department to secondary school. Recognizing that mental health remains a taboo subject, the school administration felt the urgent need to make parents aware about the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects of digital device overuse.
Speaking about the initiative, Principal Mr. Tuhin Kumar Guha emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health in modern parenting:
“Mental health is often overlooked, and in many households, it remains a taboo subject. Parents need to understand that their children’s psychological well-being is just as important as their physical health. Through this workshop, we aim to create awareness and provide parents with practical strategies to support their children’s mental health while maintaining a healthy balance in digital consumption.”
Impact of Digital Overuse on Children’s Mental Health
The session was conducted by renowned clinical psychologists Dr. Surabhi Ghosh and Ms. Arpita Roy Choudhury, who addressed the long-term effects of excessive screen time and its impact on children’s emotional and cognitive well-being. The experts highlighted the following key concerns:
- Reduced Attention Span – Constant exposure to digital screens, video games, and social media can impair a child’s ability to concentrate on academic tasks and real-world interactions.
- Irritability & Mood Swings – Prolonged digital engagement, particularly without breaks, can increase frustration, impatience, and emotional dysregulation.
- Sleep Disruptions – The blue light emitted from screens interferes with melatonin production, affecting children’s natural sleep cycles and leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
- Social Isolation – Over-reliance on screens reduces real-world social interactions, impacting emotional intelligence, communication skills, and relationships with peers and family.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – Social media constantly showcases social events and trends, leading children to feel excluded, anxious, and pressured to conform.
- Negative Body Image & Self-Esteem Issues – Exposure to edited images, beauty standards, and social media influencers can cause self-comparison, body dissatisfaction, and low confidence.
- Privacy Concerns – Many children unknowingly share personal information online, increasing risks related to cybersecurity, online predators, and digital safety.
- Cyberbullying – A significant issue highlighted during the workshop was the rise of cyberbullying, where children may face harassment, bullying, and exclusion on digital platforms. The experts emphasized how online bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
Practical Strategies for Parents
The workshop provided parents with a set of effective and actionable strategies to help their children navigate the digital world responsibly:
- Establish Structured Routines – Set clear screen time limits to encourage a balanced approach to digital consumption.
- Encourage Offline Activities – Promote reading, outdoor play, sports, and creative hobbies to reduce screen dependency.
- Foster Open Communication – Encourage honest discussions about digital usage and ensure children feel heard and supported.
- Introduce Digital Detox Practices – Create screen-free zones at home, particularly in bedrooms, dining areas, and before bedtime, to improve sleep and family interactions.
- Monitor Online Content Consumption – Parents were advised to supervise the type of content their children engage with to prevent exposure to harmful or inappropriate material.
- Address Cyberbullying Proactively – Teach children to identify, report, and block online bullies, while also promoting digital empathy and responsible behavior.
Parents’ Reactions
The workshop received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents, who appreciated the valuable insights and expert guidance provided. Many expressed their gratitude for the strategies shared during the session.
One parent shared:
“As a working mother, I often struggle with managing my child’s screen time. This session gave me valuable strategies to set boundaries while ensuring my child doesn’t feel restricted or disconnected.”
Another parent highlighted:
“It was eye-opening to realize how digital habits impact a child’s mental health. I now feel more confident in making informed decisions for my child’s well-being.”
A Step Towards Mental Health Awareness
By conducting this workshop, the school has taken a significant step toward addressing digital challenges in modern parenting. The school aims to continue raising awareness and equipping parents with the right tools to foster a healthier, balanced approach to technology use at home.
Principal Mr Tuhin Kumar Guha reaffirmed the school’s commitment to student well-being, stating:
“This is just the beginning. We plan to continue such initiatives and encourage open discussions on mental health and digital wellness. It is time we empower parents with the knowledge to nurture a healthier future for their children.”
The school plans to conduct similar workshops in the future, extending these important discussions to students and teachers, fostering a more holistic approach to mental health awareness in education.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these play a pivotal role in equipping parents and children with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate technology responsibly. With mental health awareness becoming a pressing concern, A K Ghosh Memorial School and Zenscape Care’s collaboration marks an essential step toward building a healthier digital future for the next generation.
