CHITHRA – Mental Health Awareness for Parents…

A Parents’ Meeting was organized by CHITHRA Don Bosco, Chitradurga & BREADS Bengaluru, under the MINDS Project on 22 July 2026 at Pandrahalli. A total of 25 parents participated in the meeting. The program aimed to create awareness among parents about the importance of mental health, the growing concern of mobile addiction among children and practical strategies to promote the physical and mental well-being of their families.

Mr. Divakar, MINDS Project Coordinator of CHITHRA Don Bosco, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mental health in the overall development of children and adolescents. He explained that good mental health helps children develop confidence, manage emotions effectively, build healthy relationships and perform better in academics and daily life. He encouraged parents to maintain open communication with their children, understand their emotional needs, and provide a supportive and caring home environment.

Mr. Divakar also spoke about mobile addiction and its adverse effects on children. He explained that excessive use of mobile phones can lead to poor concentration, disturbed sleep, reduced physical activity, academic difficulties, social isolation, and emotional problems such as anxiety and irritability. He advised parents to establish healthy screen-time limits, monitor online activities, encourage outdoor games, family interactions, reading habits, and other productive activities that support children’s holistic development.

Ms. Rakshitha, MINDS Project Counselor of CHITHRA Don Bosco, conducted an interactive session on strategies to improve physical and mental health. She encouraged parents to promote balanced nutrition, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep and personal hygiene within the family. She also emphasized the importance of stress management, positive thinking, emotional expression, relaxation techniques and spending quality time together as a family. She suggested that parents appreciate their children’s efforts, avoid harsh criticism and seek professional support whenever they observe signs of emotional or behavioral difficulties.