Washington, Jan 20: Widespread smartphone and social media use among children is driving a sharp rise in depression, anxiety and suicide, top American lawmakers and experts have said calling it a public health crisis that demands urgent government action.
Parents are increasingly alarmed by the amount of time children spend on screens and the nature of the content they consume, said Senator Ted Cruz, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Plugged Out: Examining the Impact of Technology on America’s Youth.”
Cruz said children aged 8 to 12 now spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on screens, while teenagers spend more than 8.5 hours a day.
“More than half of a teenager’s waking hours are spent staring at a screen,” he said, calling the trend deeply troubling for parents and educators.
Psychologist Jean Twenge told lawmakers that the youth mental health crisis accelerated sharply after 2012, when smartphones became widespread and social media use shifted from optional to nearly mandatory for adolescents.
“Clinical-level depression doubled among adolescents and young adults between 2011 and 2019,” Twenge said.
She added that emergency room visits for self-harm doubled among girls aged 15 to 19 and quadrupled among girls aged 10 to 14 over the same period, while suicide rates in those age groups also doubled.
Twenge said the timing of the mental health decline did not align with economic factors but closely tracked the rise of smartphones and social media.
"This was the first time the majority of Americans owned smartphones,” she said, describing it as a pivotal moment for adolescent behavior.
Noting that social media platforms are deliberately designed to capture attention, using algorithms that keep young users scrolling, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell cited research showing that teenagers spend more than an hour a day on smartphones during school hours alone, often on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Cantwell said studies have linked heavy social media use to higher rates of anxiety, depression and isolation among youth.
She also cited findings showing that roughly 40 percent of teens exhibit concerning patterns of media addiction, which she said doubles the risk of suicidal behavior.
Pediatrician Jenny Radesky said many digital products used by children were never designed with youth development in mind.
“Most digital products used by youth were designed by adults for adults and retrofitted for children after harms were recognized,” she said.
Radesky warned that engagement-driven designs often conflict with basic needs such as sleep, homework and family interaction.
She said frequent notifications, algorithmic feeds and compulsive design features make it difficult for children to disengage, contributing to stress and emotional dysregulation.
Several senators expressed concern that schools are compounding the problem by issuing internet-connected devices to students with limited safeguards.
Cruz said many parents find it harder to manage screen time when children are required to use laptops or tablets for schoolwork.
“There are not many parents who think it has become easier to help their kids when schools send them home with a tablet,” he said, adding that technology in classrooms should be evaluated for whether it improves learning or causes harm.
Experts also warned that sleep deprivation and reduced face-to-face interaction are worsening the crisis.
Twenge said teens now spend significantly less time with friends in person and are sleeping less than previous generations, both factors strongly linked to poor mental health outcomes.
Lawmakers from both parties said the problem is likely to intensify as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in platforms used by children, increasing exposure to addictive and emotionally manipulative content. (IANS)
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,” he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) will declare the result of class 10th and 12th examination on January 14 of, 2026 (Wednesday), minister for education Sakina Itoo said on Monday. Minister for education Sakina Itoo said the government has decided to declare the result of both the classes-10th and 12th on the same day. "We understand that students have been waiting for the results. So we decided that result of both the classes will be declared on Wednesday (January 16 of 2926)," Sakina Itoo said. She said the meeting of the Result Declaration Committee (RDC) will be convened by the Secretary JKBOE along with the members-Director School Education (DSE) Kashmir and Jammu division besides the joint secretaries as well. "We will give the administrative approval to the result instead of getting approved by the chairman," she said. The announcement comes amid the delay in appointment of chairman JKBOSE as the position is lying vacant for the last one year. "After declaration of the results, we will also appoint the permanent chairman for JKBOSE as well," education minister said. An official from JKBOSE said the class 1oth result will be declared on Wednesday morning followed by the declaration of result of class 12th students in late afternoon on the same day. As per the official figures, 94783 students- 68804 from Kashmir and 25,224 students from winter zone areas of Jammu division besides 660 students from Kargil and 95 from Leh district registered for the class 10th JKBOSE examination this year. Also, the examination for class 11th and 12th students was scheduled from November 19 and November 8 of 2025 respectively. Approximately, 81622 students – 64001 from Jammu and 17621 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 11th examination while 70117 students—56423 from Kashmir and 13694 from winter zone areas of Jammu have registered for class 12th examination.
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Srinagar, Jan 17: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday strongly condemned PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti’s statement suggesting that if religious places are to be “profiled”, the process should start with temples and Hindu priests, instead of mosques and Imams. Inam Un Nabi said AIP was categorically against profiling of any religious place, irrespective of faith or community and such statements only deepen mistrust and polarisation in society. “Let it be Masjids and Imaams or temples and priests, profiling of religious institutions is unacceptable. AIP rejects it completely. Had the issue involved only temples or priests, AIP would have shown the same resentment and protest as we do for Masjids and Imaams,” he said. The AIP spokesperson said faith is a matter of personal conscience and religious belief and it should not be dragged into a culture of surveillance or administrative interference. “We do not want policing of faith. The role of the administration is to ensure peace and law and order, not to monitor religious identity or religious spaces,” Inam Un Nabi added. He appealed to all political parties to act responsibly and avoid statements that pit one community against another, stressing that Kashmir has a long history of communal harmony which must be protected. “AIP stands for dignity, equality and justice for all. We will oppose any attempt that targets places of worship, whichever religion it belongs to,” he said.
Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.
Washington, Jan 20: Widespread smartphone and social media use among children is driving a sharp rise in depression, anxiety and suicide, top American lawmakers and experts have said calling it a public health crisis that demands urgent government action. Parents are increasingly alarmed by the amount of time children spend on screens and the nature of the content they consume, said Senator Ted Cruz, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Plugged Out: Examining the Impact of Technology on America’s Youth.” Cruz said children aged 8 to 12 now spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on screens, while teenagers spend more than 8.5 hours a day. “More than half of a teenager’s waking hours are spent staring at a screen,” he said, calling the trend deeply troubling for parents and educators. Psychologist Jean Twenge told lawmakers that the youth mental health crisis accelerated sharply after 2012, when smartphones became widespread and social media use shifted from optional to nearly mandatory for adolescents. “Clinical-level depression doubled among adolescents and young adults between 2011 and 2019,” Twenge said. She added that emergency room visits for self-harm doubled among girls aged 15 to 19 and quadrupled among girls aged 10 to 14 over the same period, while suicide rates in those age groups also doubled. Twenge said the timing of the mental health decline did not align with economic factors but closely tracked the rise of smartphones and social media. "This was the first time the majority of Americans owned smartphones,” she said, describing it as a pivotal moment for adolescent behavior. Noting that social media platforms are deliberately designed to capture attention, using algorithms that keep young users scrolling, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell cited research showing that teenagers spend more than an hour a day on smartphones during school hours alone, often on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Cantwell said studies have linked heavy social media use to higher rates of anxiety, depression and isolation among youth. She also cited findings showing that roughly 40 percent of teens exhibit concerning patterns of media addiction, which she said doubles the risk of suicidal behavior. Pediatrician Jenny Radesky said many digital products used by children were never designed with youth development in mind. “Most digital products used by youth were designed by adults for adults and retrofitted for children after harms were recognized,” she said. Radesky warned that engagement-driven designs often conflict with basic needs such as sleep, homework and family interaction. She said frequent notifications, algorithmic feeds and compulsive design features make it difficult for children to disengage, contributing to stress and emotional dysregulation. Several senators expressed concern that schools are compounding the problem by issuing internet-connected devices to students with limited safeguards. Cruz said many parents find it harder to manage screen time when children are required to use laptops or tablets for schoolwork. “There are not many parents who think it has become easier to help their kids when schools send them home with a tablet,” he said, adding that technology in classrooms should be evaluated for whether it improves learning or causes harm. Experts also warned that sleep deprivation and reduced face-to-face interaction are worsening the crisis. Twenge said teens now spend significantly less time with friends in person and are sleeping less than previous generations, both factors strongly linked to poor mental health outcomes. Lawmakers from both parties said the problem is likely to intensify as artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in platforms used by children, increasing exposure to addictive and emotionally manipulative content. (IANS)
Says Ayush has vital role in preventive, promotive, holistic healthcare Jammu, Jan 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Saturday chaired a review meeting to take stock of the progress achieved under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), with emphasis on service delivery, infrastructure creation and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening Ayush-based healthcare across the districts of J&K. Secretary H&ME; Principal GMC Srinagar, Commissioner FDA, Director, Health Kashmir and Jammu division, Director, Ayush and other concerned officers were present in the meeting. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was informed that all 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush) across the UT have been fully operationalized since 31st March 2025. These centres are providing a wide range of Ayush wellness interventions and patient care services based on Ayush principles and practices. Reviewing the status of infrastructure development, it was apprised that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Chawalgam, Kulgam, has been completed and made fully operational. The hospital recorded an OPD footfall of 12,852 patients during 2024–25 and 5,546 patients during 2025–26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 105 lakh has been approved under SAAP 2025–26 for completion of allied works, including landscaping, herbal garden development and other facilities, besides manpower support. The meeting was further informed that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Billawar, Kathua, has achieved around 80 percent physical progress, with finishing works such as tiling and aluminum works underway. An allocation of Rs 70 lakh has been approved for construction of the boundary wall, and the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Similarly, the 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Gadhi Garh, Jammu, has been made operational in the building of Sub-Centre Lower Gadhi Garh. OPD services at the facility have catered to 7,609 patients during 2024–25 and 4,713 patients during 2025–26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 122.50 lakh has been approved for construction of an additional block and engagement of manpower. The Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of Ayush Public Health Programmes, and it was reported that targets have been exceeded in several areas. Under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders, 62 units have been operationalized, with 59,628 people screened and 48,576 patients provided Ayush treatment. Highlighting the performance the Director, Ayush, Dr Suresh Sharma apprised the meeting that under SUPRAJA, focusing on maternal and neonatal health, 33 units have been made functional, while 40 units each have been operationalized under AYURVIDYA for school health and KARUNYA for palliative care. He further divulged that the VAYO MITRA programme for geriatric healthcare is being implemented through 22 units, benefiting thousands of senior citizens. He added that the Mobile Medical Units and NPCDCS components are also expanding Ayush outreach to remote and underserved areas. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of Ayush wellness interventions delivered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. It was given out that during 2024–25 and 2025–26, lakhs of beneficiaries were reached through yoga sessions, OPD consultations, distribution of medicines, non-communicable disease screening, Prakriti Parikshan, and community awareness initiatives, reflecting the growing acceptance of Ayush services among the public. On financial progress, it was informed that during 2024–25, an expenditure of over 71 percent was achieved under NAM. For 2025–26, funds amounting to Rs 37.31 Cr have been on-boarded through SNA-SPARSH, with significant releases already made to implementing agencies. Overall expenditure of over 80 percent is expected to be achieved by the end of March 2026. The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress in Ayush educational institutions, including Government Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathic Medical Colleges. Academic activities, infrastructure strengthening, creation of teaching and non-teaching posts and approvals for new courses were discussed as part of the efforts to strengthen human resource capacity in Ayush systems. Measures undertaken to enhance the visibility of Ayush in the UT were also highlighted. Large-scale IEC and BCC campaigns have been conducted across the districts of the UT, covering lakhs of beneficiaries through themes such as Har Ghar Ayush, Yoga and Meditation, Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, Anemia Mukt Bharat, Poshan Abhiyan, Millets awareness and observance of Ayurveda Day. Digital and social media outreach, along with regular TV and radio interactions, have further amplified public engagement, the meeting was informed. Discussing future plans, the meeting outlined proposals for establishment of Government Homeopathic Medical College at Kathua, setting up of 10/30/50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals in remaining districts, establishment of a Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Baramulla, strengthening of Ayush public health programmes in all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and operationalization of tele-consultation services through e-Sanjeevani. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized timely completion of all ongoing projects, effective utilization of funds and further integration of Ayush services with the mainstream healthcare system. He reiterated that Ayush has a vital role in preventive, promotive and holistic healthcare, and directed the concerned to sustain momentum for ensuring accessible, affordable and people-centric Ayush healthcare services across the length and breadth of J&K.
Chennai, Jan 8: Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest number of dengue cases throughout the country in 2025 while the fatalities have remained low owing to early detection and timely medical intervention, according to Union Health Ministry data. As per the official data, the state recorded 20,866 dengue cases and 12 deaths between January and November 2025. The health officials have attributed the high case count to the strength of Tamil Nadu’s disease surveillance and reporting system ruling out an uncontrolled outbreak. "The surveillance system tracks infections from the primary health centre (PHC) level to secondary and tertiary care hospitals," the official document reads. Kerala reported the highest number of dengue-related deaths, with 49 fatalities and 10,239 cases during the same period among the southern states. Meanwhile, 2384 cases and five deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh while Telangana recorded 8139 cases with no deaths, and Karnataka reported 6,759 cases, also without any fatalities. Tamil Nadu’s dengue trend over the past five years showed a steady rise in reported cases. In 2021, the state logged 6,039 cases and eight deaths, followed by 6,430 cases and eight deaths in 2022. In 2023, cases rose to 9,121 with 12 deaths, and in 2024, the state recorded a sharp spike of 27,378 cases and 13 deaths. Health department officials said the consistently low mortality rate reflects the effectiveness of early diagnosis, clinical monitoring, and immediate treatment protocols. “The surveillance mechanism in Tamil Nadu is robust, and cases are captured accurately across all levels of healthcare,” an official said. According to Dr Janani Sankar, Medical Director, dengue cases have begun declining since the last week of December. “We are now seeing more cases of typhoid, diarrhoea, dysentery, and respiratory infections. These are largely linked to winter conditions and travel-related factors,” she said. Head of General Medicine at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital Dr S. Chandrasekar said dengue cases usually persist until February but began falling earlier this year due to reduced rainfall, particularly in Chennai. “Mosquito breeding comes down during winter, leading to fewer dengue cases. However, people must continue safe water storage practices, as uncovered containers can still become breeding grounds,” he said. Health authorities have urged public vigilance, stressing that prevention remains key even as case numbers decline.
