Bengaluru, Saturday 16th December 2024: Happiest Health hosted the second edition of Get Set, Grow Summit 2024 with a special theme on ‘Digital Detox’ aimed at promoting gadget free moments for children in the age group of 5 to 12 years and drawing attention towards screen free family time to strengthen the bond. The event was packed with interactive workshops, expert talks, educational activities fun filled activities all aimed at helping families learn about nutrition, physical health, and mental wellness in a collaborative and engaging setting.

The Summit focused on ‘Digital Detox Edition’ which highlighted the importance of screen-free family time through interactive and fun sessions for children, providing practical tools to help families navigate the challenges of balancing technology use with quality, tech-free moments. 500 Participants discovered strategies for developing healthier habits, enhancing family bonds, and promoting overall well-being through series of engaging sessions tailored for kids.

Unveiling the second edition Get Set Grow, Mr Anindya Chowdhury, CEO of Happiest Health – Knowledge and Diagnostics “This summit has been a wonderful initiative to remind families of the joy and importance of being present for each other without digital distractions. Events like this not only foster stronger family connections but also equip us with valuable tools to prioritize health and well-being in an increasingly digital age. I hope this inspires many more families to take small, meaningful steps towards a balanced lifestyle. In today’s fast-paced world, it is crucial to carve out moments of togetherness that strengthen bonds and enrich lives. This summit has highlighted how simple, mindful changes can make a profound difference in creating harmony within families, encouraging us all to rethink our daily choices and commitments.”

Panel Discussion on “Digital Detox: Challenges and Way Forward -Featuring doctors and other experts with insightful discussions on limiting screen time & promoting family bonding was conducted.

Dr Santosh Kumar, Senior Consultant and Lead – Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, said “ In the digital age, fostering strong parent-child communication is vital to counteract the effects of excessive screen time. Gadgets reduce children’s ability to read non-verbal cues, empathize, and engage in imaginative play—essential social and emotional development skills. Parents should model healthy behavior by setting aside devices and creating an environment rich in meaningful interactions. Activities like storytelling, arts, or family discussions build emotional resilience and motivation. Importantly, children imitate adults, so demonstrating balance and moderation is key. Effective communication and positive reinforcement can help children break screen dependency and focus on activities that nurture their well-being.”

Dr Arvind Shenoi-Clinical Director- Neonatology and Paediatric, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru,“Today’s children are navigating three distinct worlds—the real, the dream, and the virtual. The cyber world, while offering opportunities, also disrupts critical areas of life by stealing time from real-world experiences and much-needed sleep. This imbalance leads to physical and emotional challenges, including sleep disturbances, obesity, and reduced parental authority. Parents must actively regulate screen time, ensuring children do not lose sight of essential real-world interactions. By fostering meaningful relationships and encouraging play outside the digital realm, parents can help their children grow into emotionally and physically healthier individuals in this tech-driven age.”

Dr Sowmya R, Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus & Neuro-ophthalmology at Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, “Prolonged screen exposure in children, especially under the age of three, poses serious risks to their eye health, including increased chances of developing myopia, accommodative issues, and eye strain. It’s critical to ensure a balanced approach by limiting screen time and encouraging activities that stimulate natural vision development, such as outdoor play. Early signs like squinting, headaches, or difficulty focusing should not be ignored. Parents must be vigilant about creating healthy screen habits and seeking timely medical advice to prevent long-term complications. Protecting your child’s eyes today will pave the way for a healthier, clearer vision tomorrow.”