In areas like Velachery and Tambaram, families live at the intersection of progress and tradition. Children have access to the best schools, fast internet, and digital learning. Parents work hard to provide everything—from online classes to the latest gadgets.

But somewhere between the tablets, apps, and endless notifications, many parents are quietly wondering:

“Why doesn’t my child talk to me like before?”
“Why is he always irritated?”
“Is she addicted to the phone—or is it something deeper?”

Welcome to parenting in the digital age—where screens are everywhere, but connection often feels distant.

What’s Changing in the Parenting Landscape

Modern children are growing up in an environment unlike any generation before—one shaped by:

• Constant stimulation from social media and games

• Reduced face-to-face interaction and emotional expression

• Academic pressure + screen fatigue

• Limited outdoor play or unstructured social time

• Exposure to adult content or peer pressure online

For parents in rapidly developing areas like Velachery and Tambaram, there’s often a tug-of-war: wanting to give children every opportunity, but struggling to set limits or understand their emotional world.

Warning Signs Parents Might Miss

While some screen time is unavoidable (and even beneficial), certain behavioural patterns may need attention:

• Sudden mood swings or irritability

• Difficulty sleeping, especially with late-night phone use

• Avoiding family interaction or preferring screens to people

• Decline in academic interest or focus

• Social withdrawal or excessive online friendships

• Early signs of anxiety, attention issues, or even aggression

Sometimes, these are signs of emotional distress, peer-related stress, or even early addiction to digital stimulation.

What Can Parents Do?

1. Don’t start with punishment—start with conversation
   Ask what they enjoy, what bothers them, and what they fear.

2. Set gentle, consistent digital boundaries
   Tech-free zones (like dinner time or bedtime) make a difference.

3. Model balanced screen use yourself
   Children mirror more than they listen.

4. Watch for deeper patterns
   If screen use is masking sadness, loneliness, or stress—don’t ignore it.

5. Seek support if needed
   Sometimes, emotional patterns go beyond parenting—and that’s okay.

How Therapy Can Help Children and Families

Psychiatric and psychological support can:

• Help children understand and regulate emotions

• Improve attention, sleep, and behavior

• Address anxiety, peer pressure, or screen overuse

• Guide parents in setting boundaries without guilt

• Strengthen the emotional connection between parent and child

Support doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply helps families find clarity, connection, and calm in a noisy world.

Now Available in Both Velachery & Tambaram

If you’re a parent in Velachery, Tambaram, or nearby areas, know that mental health care for your child—and for you—is closer than you think.

🧠 Child & Adolescent Mental Health | Parent Guidance | Screen Overuse Support
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS, New Delhi)
Consultant Psychiatrist | Family Mental Health | Therapy

📍 Apollo Clinic, Velachery
No. 6, 1st Main Rd, Vijaya Nagar, Velachery, Chennai – 600042

📍 Apollo Clinic, Tambaram
3, Bharathamadha Street, Opp. MCC Campus, East Tambaram, Chennai – 600059

📞 Call/WhatsApp for appointments: 8595155808