Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Experts Urge Mindful Digital Use to Protect Children's Mental Health
Doctors who study feelings and mental health met in a big city called Hyderabad in India.
They talked about how phones, video games, and apps like social media can affect how kids and teens feel.
They said that spending too much time on screens can make people feel sad, worried, or stressed.
They told parents, teachers, and schools to work together to help kids use technology in a healthy way.
One expert shared a special trick called the 5-4-3-2-1 technique.
When you feel overwhelmed, you pause the screen and use your five senses, see, hear, touch, smell, and taste, and then breathe.
Another expert said that when we feel stressed, our bodies sometimes show it, like with headaches or tummy aches.
The group of experts started with only 10 members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, it has grown to almost 4,000 psychologists across India.
The experts also said that asking for help when you feel bad is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Mental health experts in Hyderabad urged parents, schools and special educators to help children and teenagers develop healthier digital habits.
The conference warned that unchecked screen time and social media exposure are affecting young people's emotional well-being.
DPMP president Sunanda Ravi introduced the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to help people reconnect with their senses during digital overload.
DPMP secretary P. Dinakara Rao said the association has grown from 10 members during COVID-19 to nearly 4,000 psychologists across India.
Psychologist Dr C. Veerender Chennoju said excessive social media use, constant comparison and information overload contribute to mental health concerns.
- Who
- The Deccan Positive Mental Health Practitioners Association (DPMP) and mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, special educators and researchers.
- What
- Called for collective action to promote mindful digital use and protect children's and teenagers' mental health at their Second Annual National Conference.
- When
- Wednesday, at the Second Annual National Conference (NCDPMP 2026).
- Where
- Hyderabad, India.
- Why
- Because unchecked screen time and social media exposure are affecting the emotional well-being of children and teenagers.
- Event
- Second Annual National Conference of the Deccan Positive Mental Health Practitioners Association (NCDPMP 2026)
- Theme
- Mental Health in the Digital Era
- Location
- Hyderabad, India
- Association growth
- From 10 members during COVID-19 to nearly 4,000 psychologists across India
- International presence
- Professional connections in around 15 countries
- Key technique
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for sensory reconnection
- New concept
- HGHT (Happiness Giving and Happiness Taking)
- Notable speakers
- Dr B.K. Pandiamani (Brahma Kumaris Education Wing), Matt Perelstein (EQ4Peace, USA)