Internet de-addiction clinics to help youth in Lucknow
Lucknow: Special clinics to provide counselling to youngsters addicted to social media platforms will soon be set up by the King George Medical University here.
The psychiatry department of the University will run the clinics targeted at adolescents.
Professor PK Dalal, the head of KGMU's psychiatry department, told PTI that "Owing to massive usage of various social media tools/platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, mobile games and Instagram, a number of people are suffering from mental disorders.
"The Bengaluru-based NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) had four years ago started SHUT clinic -- Service for Healthy Use of Technology. Following the success of the first SHUT clinic, the psychiatry department of KGMU also decided to open similar clinics," he said.
"Through the special clinics, counselling will be done of youngsters so as to motivate them to use less of social media tools. Most of the children from middle-income families get addicted to social media. As a result, there is an adverse impact on academics, the children become irritated, impact is also on their eyes and they tend to lose their concentration. If parents tell them to refrain from using mobile phones, they become stubborn, and hide it from their parents," Dalal said.
Director of NIMHANS, professor BN Gangadhar during his recent visit to Lucknow had suggested that 'SHUT' clinics should be started at all major and prominent institutes.
"On this suggestion, KGMU is planning to open similar clinics," Dalal said.
The HoD also said that the clinics opened here will not be called 'SHUT' clinics, but will be given some other name. He also added that counselling centres will also be started in various schools and colleges to fight the adverse impact of social media.
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19-year-old girl in Belthangady who attempted suicide dies in Mangaluru hospital
Belthangady: A 19-year-old girl from Belalu village, who had attempted suicide at home by consuming poison, has reportedly died at a hospital in Mangaluru.
The deceased, Rama, was the daughter of Dinesh and Revathi Naik of Mayada Balemandikallu in Belalu village, Belthangady taluk, and a II PUC student at Vamapadavu College.
Rama’s attempt to commit suicide is being linked to personal matters, as she is known to have loved a youngster.
On the night of April 19, she reportedly consumed rat poison at her residence and was admitted to a hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. After 10 days of treatment, she died on April 30 after failing to respond to medical care.
A case has been registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station, and investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
