New Delhi: Today, the whole world is dominated by digital technology; it doesn’t matter what your age or gender is, you are tech addicted. Concerns about the impact of social media addiction on children’s well-being have become more pressing than ever. However, there is hope, and one such instance of intervention and support has emerged through Mansathali, a prominent mental health and wellness organization dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being among youth.
Recently, Mansathali intervened to rescue a child from the grips of social media addiction, showcasing the organization’s commitment to combating this growing issue. The child studying in 7th grade, whose identity remains confidential, was identified through a concerned parent’s outreach on social media platforms seeking help for their child’s excessive social media usage.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Mansathali swiftly responded by offering counselling and support services tailored to the child’s needs. Through a combination of therapy sessions, educational workshops, and personalized guidance, Mansathali worked closely with the child to address underlying issues contributing to the addiction and develop healthier habits.
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali, says, “We understand the profound impact that social media addiction can have on a child’s mental and emotional well-being. A report published in 2023 shows 60% of children spend 3 hours a day on social media and co-incidentally, over three hours of daily social media interaction is making a child more prone to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. And, the poor children also fail to express their emotions to their parents. Therefore, we provided a supportive environment to the child and helped the child to overcome the struggles and lead a fulfilling life. Through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, we recognized the triggers for excessive use and then develop coping strategies to manage cravings, and replace harmful patterns with healthier habits.”
The success of Mansathali’s intervention serves as a testament to the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support systems in addressing social media addiction among children. By fostering awareness, providing resources, and promoting positive coping mechanisms, Mansathali aims to empower youth to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and prioritize their mental health.
“We are immensely proud of the progress made by the child we assisted. Her journey serves as an inspiration and reinforces our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people struggling with social media addiction.” Dr. Kapoor added.
Mansathali continues to advocate for greater awareness and resources to address the pervasive issue of social media addiction among children. Through collaborative efforts with parents, educators, and communities, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to foster a generation of resilient and empowered youth.
