Screen Time and Safe Internet for Children

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The other day, Blogchatter was having a chat session on Twitter. The topic was safe internet for kids. That was interesting and important. 

'How would your child react if there's no internet for a day?' This was one of the questions. 

'He won't react because he doesn't use a mobile phone, plus he has a very limited screen time, so one day without the internet would not make a difference. But then, he is just ten.' was my response.

How did I limit his screen time?

Thankfully, the kid has loved books since he was a baby. Later, every night before going to bed, we read a book together.

So I ask him to choose. 'Do you want to watch TV or read a book?' 

He promptly answers, 'Read a book!' and it makes me happy. 

It's not that he doesn't enjoy watching TV or working on a computer. He used to enjoy watching cartoons on mobile phone as well. I don't really remember when and why he got bored of mobile phone but I remember how we controlled television time. It was in 2019, when one day, our television remote stopped working. He was disappointed but finally understood that nothing can be done at that time. 

And then, we never got it repaired. At least we told him so. We never switch on the TV in his presence. We watched TV when he was in school or when he went to bed at night. So, in a way, we limited our screen time as well.

But kids need something for entertainment. How did I keep him engaged and entertained?

He loves sketching, so I let him watch drawing videos on my mobile phone for ten minutes or so. We enrolled him in a dance class. He isn't a good dancer but he enjoyed that session, dancing with other children. He enjoyed the time as we walked together to the dance class. And the moment when his father arrived to pick us after his evening walk. 

Books, drawing books, stationery and art supplies excite him immensely, so I bought those things for him and he would spend hours, totally engaged.

But then…

It was going well until the lockdown. After that, we had to let him sit in front of a laptop for hours for his online classes. The lockdown went on for so long that we felt the need to watch TV for entertainment. 

When he resumed regular classes last year, he was so excited that he didn't bother about TV or phone. He got busy with his new books and friends. 

So, he watches TV but for a short period. He uses the computer, but twice a week; calls it 'computer day'. He doesn't use a mobile phone. 

So, basically, what works:

Finding ways to keep him engaged.

His love for reading. He gets very excited whenever I buy a book or even receive a review copy.

His interest in drawing. We have installed a white board. So, he is mostly busy with the board and markers. Recently, he has developed a keen interest in maps. 

Communication works!

We talk to him, make him understand that too much screen time is not good. We don't just switch off the TV or computer abruptly because, well, the time is up. We ask him to do it himself.

Keep a tab

That's very important. He never watches TV or uses the computer alone. We are usually around. We encourage him to watch children's programmes. Sometimes he tries to watch random bollywood movies, but I ask him gently not to watch and he agrees. 

So, another thing that works is gentle communication. I have learned the hard way not to yell.

As children grow up, and obtain their private space, their time with internet certainly becomes a matter of concern. So, please check out Happinetz: safe internet for kids, launched by Blogchatter. It's very innovative. I will keep this in mind. 

Happinetz is a safe internet for kids box that connects to your home router wired or wirelessly. Once connected, it creates a separate WiFi which filters out age-inappropriate internet and helps you set screen time schedules for devices connected to this WiFi.

Happinetz continuously monitors more than 110 million websites and apps and is preconfigured to block more than 22 million adult and unsecured websites.

This post is a part of Happinetz - Safe Internet For Kids

F: Favourites of 2022 (#BlogchatterA2Z)

 

This year, I decided to go slow with my reading (mainly because of my writing assignments). I am reading at my own pace, without bothering about posting a review and all that (I do write mini reviews if I like the book; avoid if I don't). I have abandoned 5 books so far (3 back to back). I really hope I like what I started recently. Also, I'm listening to my first audiobook (first full length novel, I mean). The Last Boy to Fall in Love (Hindi).

But let's talk about what I liked. 

Young Blood by Chandrima Das

'A ruined reputation is one of the most effective ways devised by society to control women.' (from the book).

I read horror after a LONG time and I'm glad I read this book. A wonderful collection of 10 terrifying tales. It wasn't terrifying for me but it was certainly creepy. 

The writing is beautiful and crisp. Stories are gripping. You would not want to miss a single paragraph. That engaging.

I recommend it to everyone. Even if you don't like this genre, read it to enjoy the author's writing and storytelling.

The Flatshare Beth O'Leary

Tiffy and Leon share a flat

Tiffy and Leon share a bed

Tiffy and Leon have never met…

This is the gist of the story. 

‘Have you ever looked forward to reading a book so much you can’t actually start it?’

I was pleasantly surprised to find this quote in the book, as this was the very reason why I didn't start reading this book even though I bought it last year.

And I'm so glad I read, finally. It's entertaining and endearing. So engrossing that it traveled with me to my kitchen. That I took a break from an important writing project as I couldn't put it down.

I'd like to mention 'Before the Dawn' by Emma Pass. It's a historical fiction. The love story of Sam & Ruby. I thought it was going to be my favourite, as it was really endearing in the first half. The second half (especially the war scenes) was not that engaging. 

Now, television:

I seldom sit down to watch TV. 

But I watched a couple of web series recently and really liked them, so much that I am eagerly waiting for the next season.

Asur

I read some fabulous reviews of this web series plus I was pleasantly surprised to see Barun Sobti. 

It's really good. Intriguing, mysterious and gripping. An interesting blend of science, psychology and mythology.

Maybe an unpopular opinion (because Arshad Warsi is there) but Barun Sobti is the hero of the show. He acts really well.

Special Ops 1.5

It's a short series, kind of bhumika before the season 2. I loved the season 1. That was an excellent spy series. 

I'd like to mention Gullak. Loved it! And so excited about the season 3 (starts from 7th). It's so pleasant, poignant and entertaining. The characters are so real. 

There's something common between these series: unlike most of the shows, these series do not have abusive language and vulgar scenes. Which is a great relief. Most web series are so loud, vulgar and abusive that they make me cringe. 

Have you read or watched any of these? Your favourite books/shows so far?

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Expectations

Expectations sprout

Give birth to hope, then make an

Exit silently…

Expectation is a very natural feeling. you may try hard but heart has a strong tendency to expect.

A huge smile may evolve from an expectation but generally expectations are something that gives you disappointment. You nourish your hopes delicately. you wait for something eagerly. But when you expect too much, either you get nothing or some more waiting, and it really...really feels bad.

I think it's a psychological feeling. You might have experienced that even 'Small' things received unexpectedly give immense pleasure and a 'Small' unfulfilled expectation gives disappointment. 

But, sometimes, something pleasant happens unexpectedly. You must have seen this cute advertisement. Really, kuchh unexpected mile to achchha lagta hai...

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Satyamev Jayate

Sirf hangama khada karna mera maksad nahin

Meri Koshish hai ki ye soorat badalni chahiye

Mere sine mein nahin to tere seene mein sahi

Ho kahin bhi aag, lekin aag jalni chahiye

With these uplifting lines, the much awaited television show of Aamir Khan "Satyamev Jayate" has started this Sunday on Star Plus, in 11 a.m. timeslot.  Aamir Khan has already proved many times that he puts his ultimate effort in whatever he does and whatever he does becomes special and different in its own way. I am pleasantly surprised that unlike other celebrity shows Aamir Khan is not just trying to entertain us by hansi-mazak or drama, but he is focusing on the very serious social issues in order to create awareness and bring blissful/peaceful changes in our society. "Dil pe lagegi tabhi baat banegi." Very well said!

The First episode highlighted the issue of female feoticide and disappointment on the birth of female child which happens even in our so-called intellectual society (According to the facts and figures, it’s more common in urban society than rural areas). Some victims shared their heart-wrenching experiences. Those incredible real-life stories were an emotional eruption. Pity and anger surged at the same time.

It’s not that we haven’t heard people talking about this issue. But it’s much more than we think. And maybe a celebrity voice, like Aamir Khan’s, who reflects reality, pain and positivity through his poignant and sensible films (I have seen Taare Zamee Par and Rang De Basanti many times and every time they touch my heart), can make a difference.

Initially, this show reminded me of “Zindagi Live” on IBN 7. But it is different in its own special way. This programme has much more in its kitty than just sharing painful experiences. Apart from unveiling the filthy and bitter yet truths of our society, it presented some eye-widening facts/figures with enlightened opinions. This show also highlighted the bright side of our society that brings a ray of hope. Moreover, Aamir Khan’s effort to bring some pleasant changes in our society doesn’t halt here only. There will be a programme called “Asar” on Star News, dealing with the after effect of this show.

The first episode ended with awareness and hope and a very poignant song “O ri chiraiya, nanhi si chiriya, angna mein phir aa jaa re”.  I’m really looking forward to watching this show. A very positive step towards awareness and hope through Satyamev Jayate definitely deserves our attention and appreciation.

Ummeed waali dhoop, sunshine waali aasha!

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Happiness shrivels

In the silhouette of sorrow

Pessimism smiles



So, don't let negativity smile. Gift yourself a pledge of optimistic smile.  Try to be happy and share happiness.

This promotional song of Coca-Cola is spreading happiness, hope and positivity everywhere.

Ummeed waali dhoop

Sunshine waali aasha

Rone ki wajah kum hai

Hasne ke bahaane jyaada

Zid hai muskuraayenge

Khush rehne ka hai waada

Tum dil se agar poochhoge

Wo khush rehna hi chahe

Jab sachche dil se mango

To khul jaati hain raahen

To khul ke khushi lutaao

Ye kya hai aadha-aadha

 It also tells about many bright and positive aspect of our society. Whenever I see or listen to this song my heart fills with hope and positivity.

Really if we ask our heart, it always wants to be happy. It’s the stabs of troubles and pessimism residing somewhere in our mind shrouds our heart with sadness. We all forget how many times life gives us reasons to smile. We always tend to bother about our sorrows  ignoring the small yet sweet packages of happiness presented to us, leading to the road of negativity. We should look at the brighter side of our lives and try to enhance that brightness. If we hold the hands of genuine endeavour and hope, we can reach to the glorious sunshine of success.

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Crime Patrol

Yesterday I saw a heart wrenching episode of “Crime Patrol” on Sony Entertainment Channel (One of the very few serials I watch on television).


A very recent case of Maharashtra where  an eleven years old boy committed suicide after enduring his father’s brutality for long time. His mother left the house with her daughter four years back for the very same reason and the father threatened and forcibly kept his son with him. Then why he had been so brutal with him? Why he could not take care of his son? He used to beat the boy with his belt on his every minor mistake and never loved him. He yearned for his mother’s love but she was nowhere. Eventually, the boy lost his confidence and became a recluse and finally gave up.  How a father can be so cruel? (He is now in Jail)


First of all I would like to congratulate Crime Patrol which is making us aware about our society and compel us to ponder. The actors in this serial are much better than any meaningless daily soaps.


This type of crime, say domestic violence is happening in our society but nobody (Even neighbors) bothers to raise a voice against it just because it’s not happening to them. So why give a damn? People always think of not interfering in other’s matters (Some people don’t hesitate to interfere in personal, interesting matters of others though). But just think if neighbors of that boy would have taken any (Least) action he might have been alive.


One more thing I wonder why a woman is so weak in front of her husband that she could not take any action against him even if it is the question of her children?

“Zor ka Jhatka” on NDTV Imagine

Today I was watching the TV show “Zor Ka Jhatka” on NDTV Imagine. Suddenly, I felt that unlike other days, I was enjoying it. What was different? Yeah, I got

 it! Today wasthe special uncut show and Shahrukh Khan was not blabbering.   

 The celebrity contestants were sharing their experiences and the commentary  

 during the acts (Not by Shahrukh Khan) was interesting and in correct 

  proportion.

I don’t find any use of hosting the show, the way it’s being hosted by Shahrukh Khan (Just standing in the studio, talking tooooo much and overreacting). Come to that, the talks are meaningless, irritating and hammering literally, which seems to distract.

Moreover, Shahrukh Khan should check his behaviour, especially his language as he is giving indecent remarks even for girl contestants (Like “Rahul Mahajan ki dutkaari hui” for Priyadarshini Singh (One of contestants in Swayamvar of Rahul Mahajan, a show on the same channel).

Also I don’t understand why Soumya Tandon is there? She just use to stand somewhere on the site, holding a useless mike.

Where is Mythology?

Today, in “Indian Telly Awards” serial “Jhansi ki Rani” got the award of “Best Mythological Serial”.

Where is “Mythology” in this serial??? Is Jhansi ki Rani a myth?

Where is education in the glitter of glamour?

We see many teenagers specially girls, participating in singing and dancing reality shows (There is no problem in promoting and showcasing one’s talent). You can see them saying so emotionally about their passion about dancing or singing and after the show you can see them acting in daily saas bahu saga (Everyone wants to grab the opportunity).  They often play a girl who is destined to marry in the first place. But in these things where is education? I wonder how they get time for their studies in such a hectic schedule. Or value of education has diminished in the glitter of glamour?

It feels good to be special

Whenever I see the Vodafone Delights ad, in which a girl does special things for her friend, it takes me back to the good old days. The reminiscences of school days when we used to do such things, specially keeping seats for each other. 

It really feels good to be special. “Little things you do for me…” is a very nice song and truly justifies the ad.  A very cute advertisement. 

 

No creativity at all

Just saw the second episode of a new series “Dhoondh legi manzil hamen” on star one. Promos seemed different so I thought to watch it.  In this serial, I don't understand the motive of sending the girl abroad to study architecture when her parents are planning to marry her off in the first place without giving her an opportunity to do something in her career?


In today’s episode, the female protagonist had gone to meet a guy for marriage purpose. The entire scene of that meeting was copied from the movie “Namaste London”.

Where is the creativity? Can’t writers think of something original? And if you are copying something (Taking inspiration is not a bad thing) then use your brains and implement few changes inspired by your imagination. Change the dialogues at least. And I don’t understand why producers always tend to take a new girl in every new serial when many experienced, good looking and good actresses are there in the industry?

Infants are not actors

In “Jhansi ki rani” serial perhaps her son is dead (Perhaps because I’ve stopped watching this serial after the exit of Junior Jhansi ki rani). The actress (Playing Jhansi ki Rani) was cradling the infant, crying bitterly and loudly. What felt bad that the camera was focusing on the infant again and again who was sleeping. I couldn't see that. How can any parent give their infants to shoot for such death scenes for certain amount of money? Is money that important? Infants are not actors and for god's sake keep them out of this drama.

A biased decision

Just now I have seen ITA awards. It was an entertaining show indeed but I'm not writing this to only praise this show. The reason which provoked me to write this post is an absolute biased decision made in this show. The best actor male received an award along with a "Maruti Suzuki swift Dzire" but for the best actor female there were no such gifts . Why so?? How a male actor is superior to a female actress when they portray parallel roles on television? Isn't it a kind of gender discrimination, come to that on national television? It is a big question for me.

Bad acting and vulgar presentation of serious issue and relationships

.

Here I'm talking about "Rakhi ka (so called) Insaaf."  What is this?? Any intellectual person can understand that this program is an absolute drama (like Rakhi's other shows), but what this show is about? Rakhi is quite familiar with this kind of nautanki, but what happened to NDTV (whereas, according to me NDTV India is the most sensible, intellectual and decent news channel.)? Has this channel become idea deficient? Oh! Please maintain your decency.

The show started with the problem of a woman who wanted her son back and concluded by Nikaah of that woman with a married man whom she called her brother earlier. Now, the woman was not interested in her son. 

It was clearly visible that all the people of this show, including the Judge (?????) as well as audience were acting (poorly). People are using abusive languages and some episodes are not worth to be seen with family. One person has even committed suicide after huge insult on national television. Who is Rakhi Sawant to pass such an offensive remark on people? I wonder, this vulgarity still continues. No one in this show is maintaining decorum and dignity including Rakhi Sawant. This is an awful mockery and this show should be banned.

Huh! Please stop this absolute nonsense.