Tag: KIDS

‘Moving Covid shots to India could benefit children’

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 24 May 2021
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According to a Hindustan Times report, the UK has administered at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to more than 55 percent of the country’s population and on Saturday, the National Health Service (NHS) opened bookings for people aged 32 and 33 to get their first Covid shot…reports Asian Lite News.

Moving Covid-19 vaccines from Britain to countries like India could benefit children back home, according to an expert on the immunisation advisory committee for the UK government, media reported.

Speaking at BBC Breakfast, Adam Finn, member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, stressed that the ongoing pandemic is a global crisis and the government needs to “think globally and not just domestically.”

“It may well be better for children in this country if vaccines are used to stop outbreaks like the massive outbreak in India which then get imported into this country and provide a threat to them and their schooling,” he was quoted as saying.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the UK has administered at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to more than 55 per cent of the country’s population and on Saturday, the National Health Service (NHS) opened bookings for people aged 32 and 33 to get their first Covid shot.

The latest expansion of vaccination eligibility would cover about 1.1 million people, according to the NHS. Finn said that it remains unclear whether children will need vaccination, it was reported.

The government Friday launched plans for a new “Global Pandemic Radar” to identify emerging COVID-19 variants and track new diseases around the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) will lead an implementation group, supported by the Wellcome Trust, to launch this new international partnership to identify, track and share data on new COVID-19 variants and monitor vaccine resistance in populations, according to a statement from the British government.

Covid-19 teaches Indian armed forces new lessons in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.(Photo India Narrative)

The “Global Pandemic Radar” is expected to be fully up and running with a network of surveillance hubs before the end of 2021, the statement also said.

“We need to build a system of disease surveillance fit for the 21st century, with real-time data sharing and rapid genomic sequencing and response,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the statement.

“A ‘Global Pandemic Radar’ will ensure that we are vigilant to new variants and emerging pathogens, and can rapidly develop the vaccines and treatments needed to stop them in their tracks,” he said. (with inputs from ANI/Xinhua)

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Tags covid, jabs, KIDS

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Facebook urged to scrap ‘Insta for kids’

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 11 May 2021
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The “Instagram for Kids” app will allow children under the age of 13 to begin using the popular photo-sharing app…reports Asian Lite News

A coalition of 44 US attorneys general signed a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg urging Facebook not to launch “Instagram for Kids”, citing mental health and privacy concerns.

The “Instagram for Kids” app will allow children under the age of 13 to begin using the popular photo-sharing app. However, the attorneys general urge Facebook to abandon its plans to launch this new platform.

The letter lists reasons and cites research to show that Facebook should not go forth with its plans to develop and market a kid-friendly version of the Instagram app, reports GSMArena.

Facebook. (File Photo: IANS)

ALSO READ:Mns spent by Facebook for CEO security

Among the reasons listed in the letter are — Facebook’s poor history of protecting childrena’s privacy and data on the platform, research showing that social media can be harmful to children on physical and psychological levels, children do not have a fully-developed understanding of privacy and can easily be targeted by anonymous predators.

In the release published by the coalition head Attorney General Maura Healey, she cited Zuckerberg’s dismissal of the idea that social media is harmful to children.

The release points out there is much strong evidence and research that contradicts Zuckerberg’s denial.

Currently, children under 13 are not allowed to have an Instagram account unless it is explicitly written in the profilea¿s description that the account is being managed by a parent or guardian.

How pets help children during pandemic

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 10 May 2021
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For many families navigating the stress and challenges of home-schooling, pets have offered children crucial support…writes Siddhi Jain.

Kids lose many life experiences including their schooling due to this unexpected pandemic hit. Family pets help children better manage feelings of stress and loneliness, which have been greatly exacerbated by virtual schooling as a result of the pandemic, shows a new survey.

According to UNICEF, at least 1 in 7 children — or 332 million globally — has lived under nationwide stay-at-home policies for at least nine months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, putting their mental health and well-being at risk.

Children walking in street during covid 19 surge in us

The Mars Petcare survey of parents reveals that more than eight in 10 parents found that their family pet helped their child feel less lonely during the lockdown, with more than three-quarters feeling that day-to-day interactions with their cat or dog reduced their child’s stress and anxiety. Parents agreed their pet supported their child during the unprecedented break from in-person schooling by improving their mood, providing companionship and giving much-needed emotional support.

For many families navigating the stress and challenges of home-schooling, pets have offered children crucial support.

The survey also found that pets positively impacted a child’s experience of virtual learning and academic performance across all ages — with nine in 10 parents seeing improvements in their child’s emotional, social and core skill development including having more energy and improved concentration, providing a fun topic of conversation to engage with their classmates and teachers, and giving them a much-needed break away from the screen.

“There are proven benefits to having pets in the classroom when it comes to improving children’s confidence, focus and reducing their stress, but this survey shows that pets also played an important part in helping children emotionally as they come to terms with this unprecedented time away from their peers,” says Mary Margaret Callahan of the leading therapy animal organisation Pet Partners.

This increased bond between children and their pets has many benefits for the pet too. Three-fourth believed their pet is also calmer now that they spend more time with their child.

Family pets help children better manage feelings of stress and loneliness, which have been greatly exacerbated by virtual schooling as a result of the pandemic, shows a new survey.

According to UNICEF, at least 1 in 7 children — or 332 million globally — has lived under nationwide stay-at-home policies for at least nine months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, putting their mental health and well-being at risk.

The Mars Petcare survey of parents reveals that more than eight in 10 parents found that their family pet helped their child feel less lonely during lockdown, with more than three-quarters feeling that day-to-day interactions with their cat or dog reduced their child’s stress and anxiety. Parents agreed their pet supported their child during the unprecedented break from in-person schooling by improving their mood, providing companionship and giving much-needed emotional support.

For many families navigating the stress and challenges of home-schooling, pets have offered children crucial support.

The survey also found that pets positively impacted a child’s experience of virtual learning and academic performance across all ages — with nine in 10 parents seeing improvements in their child’s emotional, social and core skill development including having more energy and improved concentration, providing a fun topic of conversation to engage with their classmates and teachers, and giving them a much-needed break away from the screen.

“There are proven benefits to having pets in the classroom when it comes to improving children’s confidence, focus and reducing their stress, but this survey shows that pets also played an important part in helping children emotionally as they come to terms with this unprecedented time away from their peers,” says Mary Margaret Callahan of the leading therapy animal organisation Pet Partners.

This increased bond between children and their pets has many benefits for the pet too. Three-fourth believed their pet is also calmer now that they spend more time with their child.

Pandemic Stress On Kids?

In the long run, this can lead to an emotional breakdown among children, and the same may lead to these children resisting to return to school post-lockdown…writes Puja Gupta.

New generation kids get unimaginable experiences and lifestyles related to pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown generated a lot of fear and stress across all age groups. Children usually thrive under predictable conditions, but disruption led by the pandemic greatly impacted them physically and emotionally.

Online schooling, isolation, quarantine at home, lack of social interactions, lack of physical sports, and parental angst have developed fears, depression, and boredom among children. While most parents, were involved in dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic and putting all efforts to keep their family safe and sustainable, the emotional needs of children were somehow ignored, points out Jesal Sheth, Senior Consultant-Paediatrician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

The experts discuss the impact of the pandemic on children and how to tackle it:

THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON CHILDREN

The pandemic has changed the way children typically grow, learn, play, behave, interact, and manage emotions. Children have been observed to have conduct problems, peer problems, externalising problems, and general psychological distress. When compared with children who did not exercise, children with psychical activity had lower hyperactivity-inattention and less pro-social behavior problems.

Moreover, from a more emotional perspective, they have a lot going around in their head, and the biggest worry for them is whether or not they will see their friends in school or will they get sick. The joint effect between lifestyle changes and psychosocial stress caused by home confinement perhaps aggravated behavioral problems in children.

In the long run, this can lead to an emotional breakdown among children, and the same may lead to these children resisting to return to school post-lockdown. This can happen primarily because children have lost their pre-lockdown routines and the loss of touch with their peers and mentors. In addition to this, the lockdown-related constraints can have a long-term negative effect on their overall psychological well-being.

Here’s how you can help children cope with Covid-related stress:

Addressing fears — Anxiety and emotional depression can be tackled by parents to some extent by addressing fears of children, talking about problems and possible solutions from the child’s perspective.

Spending time with grandparents — Children who have grandparents can decide to spend some quality time with them.

Create a routine — Parents can maintain some routines even if confined at home. It is always good if parents and children can plan some activities together. Parents should also plan their children’s tasks one at a time, involve them in various home activities, educate them about following hygiene habits.

Play Games — Engage in indoor play and creative activities. In addition to these activities, children can be advised to be involved in household chores and understand their social responsibilities

Native Indian games a promising supplement for kids with special needs.

Virtual play dates — To keep them in touch with friends and classmates plan a virtual party and playdates

Bad behaviours can be redirected and discussed — Parents should pay more attention to the emotional well-being of the child. Keep emphasising Covid-19 measures like wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent hand washing, as the pandemic is not over yet. Also, children should be encouraged to socialise with their friends and classmates through digital forums under the parent’s supervision.

Also Read-Junk food may damage kids’ kidney

Tags KIDS, STRESS

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Syrian kids’ repatriation under Denmark review

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 31 March 2021
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Copenhagen was to initiate measures that in the short term can improve the children’s conditions, the statement said…reports Asian Lite News.

Over these years, the crisis of Syrian kids has not been resolved and around 90% of Kids need humanitarian assistance according to UNICEF reports. The Danish government and a majority of parties in Parliament have agreed to set up a task force to investigate how to repatriate minors from refugee camps in Syria, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

By May 15, the group would present its findings including whether it would be feasible to evacuate Danish children without their parents, reports dpa news agency.

The agreement was supported by centre-right opposition parties as well as centre-left parties that often support the minority Social Democrats.

The development comes as the government has come under increasing pressure to act on behalf of the children amid worsening conditions in the camps.

Copenhagen was to initiate measures that in the short term can improve the children’s conditions, the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry estimated there were 19 children in the refugee camps aged between one and 14, and six mothers who have said they want to return to Denmark.

The Foreign Ministry statement said that adults who had joined the Islamic State terror group and fought against Denmark’s “democratic values of freedom and equality are undesirable”.

“What we all have in common is that we want to help the children,” Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said.

Somini’s one shot intro to vaccines

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 28 March 2021
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The informative text is accompanied by colourful and quirky illustrations that we hope will take the pain out of the prick even as it highlights the importance of vaccination for children.”…writes Siddhi Jain.

Kids of current generation is To help children understand the world of vaccines deeper, a new children’s book ‘V for Vaccine: A One-shot Introduction to Vaccines’ by author-journalist Somini Sengupta will attempt to answer some key questions: “What is a vaccine? How is it made? Does it hurt to get a vaccine?”

children walking in street during covid 19 surge in us

Through three fun characters, Veni, Vidi and Vici, who love talking about things that start with the letter V, like vaccines, the book answers who invented the first vaccine, whether animals can get vaccines too, and other ways to build immunity and stay healthy. Readers can even create their own vaccine card.

People line up to enter a mass COVID-19 vaccination site at the United Center in Chicago, the United States,

The book is published by HarperCollins Children’s Books.

According to Tina Narang, Publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books,”for children it’s been a year filled with many new words, starting with corona, coronavirus and Covid, and now more recently, Vaccine — the word that is on everyone’s lips if not on their arms”.

MOOL portrays cutest kids art

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 26 March 2021
No Comments on MOOL portrays cutest kids art

With a ‘Business Not for Profit’ approach, it is a 100 per cent social enterprise where all of its profits go back to the community.

Giving a space for kids’ creativity is the best thing for their holistic development. MOOL — Made Out Of Love is a social fashion brand, launching its website with the cutest collection of apparel that portrays the artwork of little artists from under-served communities. Every purchase of MOOL apparel will go onto benefitting the little artists with the provision of a fully funded quality education and generate employment for women and men who previously lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After the purchase, the buyers are provided login credentials for a donor page, where they will be able to track the child’s progress. This can be tracked on MOOL’s donor portal so they can see where every penny spent is utilized. Along with its philanthropic partner, Muskurahat Foundation which works on the holistic development of these children, MOOL aims to fulfil the mutual vision of future-proofing the next generation by empowering them today.

Speaking about MOOL, its Founder, Himanshu Goenka, says: “Doing good and doing well doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. That’s the motto that drove us to create MOOL as a social fashion brand that is rooted in bringing people from under-served communities to an equitable platform. With a ‘Business Not for Profit’ approach, it is a 100 per cent social enterprise where all of its profits go back to the community.

“Our products feature designs that are adapted as it is from the children’s drawings. We conduct art therapy workshops with children from the under-served communities and the art that comes out from it is printed on our products. The proceeds of each product go directly towards funding the quality education of the child for a year.”

Goenka adds: “At the same time, the products itself are manufactured by people from the communities who are trained in tailoring and employed in our factory. Given the impact of Covid-19 on employment, people from the community where our factory is located are trained in tailoring and employed in manufacturing of the product. Thus, generating a source of primary income where there has been loss of employment or a secondary income for women in the community to enable them to contribute to their household.”

You can now shop for MOOL apparels and view the inspiring artworks and stories of our little kid-artists on www.mool.org

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Tags ART, KIDS