I still remember my teacher always emphasized me to know both sides of any issue before jumping to any conclusions, especially dealing with emotions and beliefs. By hearing only one side of a story, a person may not get the whole picture of what had happened. Majority of the times, people view events through their own lens. People may exaggerate the facts or ignore some of the details to benefit their side of the story. Facts can only be confirmed when its investigated thoroughly through multiple lenses. Only then, a proper conclusion can benefit an individual or a society. Unfortunately, history is full of such events where people and communities make critical decisions based on incomplete information, leaving a lifelong scar on the face of humanity. Continue reading “World History Series Documentaries: The Crusades – Episode 02: Where It All Begins”
World History Series Documentaries: The Crusades – Episode 01: The Origins
Have you ever wondered why we study history in our schools, or what importance does history have in our present lives? The majority of you might answer, explore the impacts of the past on our current lives, or know the various foundations of our present identity. All these answers make perfect sense, but what if I tell you that studying history might have changed the way we see things in our current time? History allows us to observe and understand how people and societies behaved. It shows us how change happened in the past and how these changes impacted the communities later-on. Our present is one of these impacts. Continue reading “World History Series Documentaries: The Crusades – Episode 01: The Origins”
Violent Video Games and the Teen’s Mental Health
Recent Research Findings Indicate That Video Games Are Not as Bad as We Once Feared
When it comes to video games, there is a common belief that ‘kids playing violent video games can lead to aggressive behaviours.’ Similar expressions were shared by one of the parents complaining that her kid spent most of his free time on a ‘violent video game’ CS-GO (Counter Strike – Global Offensive: a multiplayer first-person, objective-based shooter game). She believes that her son might have developed aggressive behaviour, which can also deteriorate his physical health. Interestingly, the concerns are valid. As I mentioned in my previous articles, too much screen time can impair the teen’s brain function. However, there are two different concerns which parents and educators sometimes consider as one. First, spending excessive hours playing video games and Second, playing violent video games in leisure time. In this article, I will briefly discuss both concerns separately to understand whether playing violent video games really related to teens’ mental health? Continue reading “Violent Video Games and the Teen’s Mental Health”
How Watching Porn Affects Adolescent’s Brain?
Do Porn Websites Changes the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?
Recently, one of my previous year students’ parent texted me to discuss her child’s daily schedule and wanted some suggestions. While discussing, she asked, “Sir, is it ok if I forbid my kid to browse over the internet? or if I sit with him while he is using a laptop, would it hinder his privacy?” She seems concerned and confused as she starts asking such questions. When I enquired what exactly puzzling her? she replied, “I think my child watches porn because his internet browser history is full of such websites. I think it’s not normal as he is only 14”. Every year, I came across at least 2 or 3 such parental anxieties regarding their kid’s disturbing cyber behaviour. Parents have become more concerned about their kids’ virtual routine, especially in this Covid era, where the internet is becoming more of a necessity for kids. How browsing pornography can affect teens’ overall idea of sex? What impacts does porn have on adolescents’ cognitive behaviour and personality? Continue reading “How Watching Porn Affects Adolescent’s Brain?”
Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?
Adolescent suicides are preventable. What parents and educators should know about the reasons, the warning signs and the preventive steps that can protect their teens?
Last week, one of my friends shared an unexpected incident with me about her twelve-year-old niece. She used to maintain a diary in which she takes notes about her daily activities and reflections. One day, her mother was shocked to read some of the entries from her diary where she mentioned that “…I think my life is empty as nobody, even my mother, understands me…I think I should kill myself.” This journal entry of a twelve-year-old gives us a clear look at what kind of stress our teenagers are going through especially when they are confining to their homes, socially distant from their friends and relatives. However, the much-needed question is, are parents aware of how to handle such kind of circumstances? Or what steps parents should take to mitigate the risk? Continue reading “Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?”