Parents often put parental controls for their kids and keep an eye on their media consumption at all times but often neglect their own usage by a mile. When you are telling kids to not do certain things and then proceed to do it yourself, you send a hypocritical message to kids. They start believing that you are making up rules and they are not that important, because if they were you yourself would’ve been following it! While you may not think that your media usage should be your kid’s business, a new study shows that it has a direct effect on your kids. Not just their mentality, but also what your screen hours show them that the internet is a safe place where they can explore whatever content they want. It is very easy for kids to override the age rule and get access to mature content, which lead to them consuming these videos and media from an early age! A new study looked at how parents' phone use might affect whether their kids see inappropriate content. Researchers found that when parents spend a lot of time on their phones and don't have clear rules about media use at home, their kids are more likely to watch R-rated movies or play video games meant for adults. The study talked to over 10,000 kids aged 12 and 13.

What Did The Study Reveal?

A recent study published in the journal BMC Pediatrics has revealed a potential link between parents' phone habits and their children's consumption of inappropriate content. The researchers wanted to learn more about how parents can help their young teens with media use. They explained that while there's advice for younger kids and older teens, there's not much for this age group. These young teens are in a tricky stage, they're not little kids anymore, but they're not quite teenagers either. The study wanted to see how what parents do and the rules they make affect what kind of content young teens are exposed to.

Parents answered questions about their own phone use, like how often they try to limit their screen time around their kids. The kids also answered questions about how often they watch R-rated movies or play mature video games. The study found that the more time parents spent on their phones, the more likely their kids were to consume mature content. Things like using phones during meals or in bedrooms seemed to be especially linked to kids seeing this type of content.

Why Should Parent’s Mobile Usage Be A Concern?

Experts say it's important for parents to be aware of their own phone habits, because kids often copy what they see. They suggest that parents should "practice what they preach", if they make a rule about no phones at the dinner table, they should follow it too. Experts also recommend that families create a media plan together with clear rules, like limiting screen time during meals and before bed, talking about what they see online, not using screen time as punishment, and using it as a reward for good habits. Basically, the study shows that what parents do with their phones can really influence what their kids are doing online.

How You Can Reduce Your Screen Time?

First, see how much you're using them and set small goals to cut back. Make some areas and times in your house phone-free, like during meals and before sleep, this is a great chance to connect with your family. Turn off notifications you don't need and find fun things to do instead of being on your phone, maybe even things your family can do together. Put your phone away so it's not always tempting and think about why you're picking it up. Tell your family you're trying to use your phone less, and maybe they'll join you! If it's tough, think about taking a break from all screens for a bit. It takes time, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the extra time you have with your family. This not only benefits you but also sets a positive example for your children.

A large new study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, has shown that using antidepressant medications during pregnancy does not increase the risk of developmental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

The analysis, based on data from more than 25 million pregnancies, refutes assertions made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and states that there is no evidence to support a causal link between the use of almost all antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Kennedy has previously claimed, without evidence, that certain antidepressants pose such a risk to fetuses. He has also linked vaccines to autism — a theory that has been widely debunked and contradicts established scientific evidence. The exact causes of autism remain unclear, though scientists believe neurological characteristics may begin developing in utero as the fetal brain forms.

“We know many parents-to-be worry about the potential impact of taking medication during pregnancy; our study provides reassuring evidence that commonly used antidepressants do not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children,” said Dr. Wing-Chung Chang of the University of Hong Kong.

Dr. Chang also warned against stopping antidepressant medication during pregnancy without medical advice.

“While all medications carry risks, so too does stopping antidepressants during pregnancy due to an increased risk of relapse,” he said.

He added that for women with moderate-to-severe depression, doctors and patients must carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of continuing antidepressant treatment during pregnancy against the potential harms of untreated depression.

What Did The Study Find?

The meta-analysis was based on pooled data from 37 studies involving more than 600,000 pregnant women taking antidepressants and nearly 25 million pregnancies without antidepressant use.

Before adjusting for key factors such as underlying mental health conditions, the analysis found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with:

• A 35 per cent increased risk of ADHD
• A 69 per cent increased risk of autism

However, these associations became greatly reduced or statistically non-significant after accounting for confounding factors.

Interestingly, antidepressant use by fathers during pregnancy was also associated with:

• A 46 per cent increase in ADHD risk
• A 28 per cent increase in autism risk

“Although our study found a small increase in the risk of autism and ADHD in the children of women who had used antidepressants during pregnancy, it also found that this risk disappeared when we accounted for other factors,” Dr. Chang said.

“The increased risk was also seen in the children of fathers who took antidepressants and of mothers with antidepressant use before, but not during, pregnancy,” he added.

“Together, this suggests that it is not the antidepressants themselves causing an increased risk of autism and ADHD, but it is more likely due to other factors, including genetic predisposition to conditions such as ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions,” the researcher explained.

Which Drugs Were Linked To Increased Risk?

Among the studies analysed, researchers found that only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained associated with increased ADHD and autism risk.

These medications are generally considered second- or third-line treatment options for depression and are often prescribed in cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Researchers noted that women taking these medications may have more severe, chronic, or complex underlying mental health conditions, which could influence the observed association.

The study also found no difference in risk between high and low doses of antidepressants.

“The evidence suggests a link between either parent having a mental health condition and a slightly higher risk of ADHD or autism,” said Dr. Joe Kwun-Nam Chan of the University of Hong Kong.

“In addition to genetic factors, this link could be explained by the home and social environment, as ongoing family stress, changes in family functioning, and differences in parenting and caregiving may influence neurodevelopment,” he added.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that both parents have access to mental health support and treatment, both for their own wellbeing and to support the neurodevelopment of their child.

Limitations Of The Study

The researchers acknowledged several limitations, including a lack of data on factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle-related risks, and low birth weight in some studies.

Additionally, only a small number of studies examined antidepressant use during specific trimesters or evaluated exact dosage changes, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions in these areas.

The authors also noted that women prescribed antidepressants often have more severe depression than those who are not prescribed medication, meaning some bias may still remain despite adjustments for mental health conditions.

Former badminton player Jwala Gutta shared that she donated around 60 liters of breast milk during the first year after childbirth. Delivering a critical social message, the Commonwealth Games medallist highlighted the importance of breast milk donation and stressed that it is completely safe.

“I donated around 60 litres of breast milk to the government hospital in Hyderabad and Chennai during my first year of postpartum!” Jwala wrote in a post on the social media platform X.

Noting that many babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) do not get immediate access to their mother’s milk due to medical complications, she said that “just 100ml of donor milk can feed a tiny 1kg baby for several days” and support “dozens of infants in the NICU”.

“Donating is safe, screened, and desperately needed,” she said.

Why Breast Milk Is Important For Newborns

Babies should ideally be breastfed within the first hour of birth, often called the “golden hour”, right in the labour room. The yellowish first milk, known as colostrum, is packed with antibodies and nutrition. Early feeding can prevent low blood sugar levels, build immunity, increase the mother’s milk supply, and strengthen bonding between the mother and newborn.

However, in some cases, mothers may be unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions, low milk supply, or physical challenges such as pain, latching issues, or previous surgeries.

Further, in the case of babies in the NICU, mothers may not be able to directly breastfeed because babies are often too small, premature, or weak to suckle, or they require medical equipment like ventilators and feeding tubes that physically hinder nursing.

HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand how breast milk donation works and the myths surrounding it.

Experts Say Breast Milk Donation Is Safe

Health experts noted that donating breast milk is safe and extremely beneficial for premature or medically fragile babies. However, storing it the right way is crucial.

Also read: Shocking Study Finds Andes Hantavirus Could Linger In Semen For Years, Pose Transmission Risk

“Breast milk donation is safe when done through certified human milk banks that follow proper screening, pasteurization, collection, and storage protocols,” said Dr. Bhavya Rathore, Senior Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Indirapuram.

“Breast milk donation can be a lifesaving gift, especially for premature or low-birth-weight babies whose mothers may be unable to produce enough milk initially. Donating breast milk is considered safe when done through certified human milk banks that follow strict screening, testing, pasteurization, and storage protocols. Donors are usually screened for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and certain medications or lifestyle habits before donation,” added Dr. Sakshi Goel, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi.

Busting Common Myths Around Breast Milk Donation

Myth: Donating breast milk will reduce nutrition for a mother’s own baby

Fact: Healthy lactating mothers with an adequate milk supply can often donate excess milk safely without affecting their baby’s nutritional needs.

Myth: Donated milk is unsafe

Fact: Certified milk banks carefully screen donors and process milk to ensure safety.

Myth: Donated milk may directly transmit diseases

Fact: Properly processed donor milk undergoes pasteurization and multiple safety checks before use.

How To Safely Store Breast Milk

Dr. Bhavya told HealthandMe that for safe storage, mothers should express milk with clean hands, use sterilised BPA-free containers, and refrigerate milk immediately after expression.

“Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and frozen for longer storage. Proper labelling with date and time of expression is important,” she added.

Dr. Sakshi told HealthandMe that for best storage, breast milk should be kept in clean airtight containers, refrigerated if used within a few days, or frozen for longer storage while maintaining the cold chain.

The experts urged that mothers should avoid donating breast milk if they have certain infections, smoke, consume excessive alcohol, or are taking medications that may not be safe during breastfeeding.

Fetal oxygen levels fall if asthma is not well controlled, which is why the baby is more at risk of being born prematurely or of low birth weight.

This is because when breathing is compromised due to a lack of control, the oxygen supply to the baby through the placenta is limited. It usually happens when the hormones affect lung function.

Do Not Stop Taking Inhalers During Pregnancy

Even though the wide range of medications that can be used safely during pregnancy without any health risks is often highlighted by researchers, the number of people who stop using their inhalers keeps increasing.

Several pregnant women, out of fear, think that the only symptom of being pregnant is the lack of breath, so they decide to use their inhalers to a lesser extent, which, actually, at times can worsen the situation even further.

At present, the practice of henceforth making decisions according to one's own gut feelings without looking for professional advice substantially raises the level of hazard.

Factors For Flare-ups

Living in a bustling city and being around allergens means there are always irritants in the air, making the very act of managing asthma day by day quite difficult.

Also, the anxiety that often goes with the responsibilities of raising children or the fear of not meeting the expectations of society, at times, has an asthma-inducing effect, like a flare-up.

Initial signs of illness, such as coughing or a sensation of chest constriction, which are distressing, should not be taken lightly as they are signals that, if not treated, will only lead to a bigger problem. By being vigilant, results can be improved without a drastic overhaul of one's daily habits.

Continue Asthma Treatment In Pregnancy

The strategy needs to be proactive and focused on prevention. Checking the symptoms regularly, taking the medication properly, and avoiding the things that are known to cause symptoms are a few of the basic aspects.

Besides that, small steps like enhancing the quality of air indoors, staying well hydrated, and doing breathing exercises on a regular basis are great in the control of the disease. The majority of ladies with asthma, if they receive adequate treatment and are knowledgeable about their disease, can look forward to an uneventful pregnancy and a safe delivery.

Actually, the key point is that pregnancy shouldn't mean stopping your asthma treatment. On the other hand, it's the time when the mother and the baby need to be protected through knowledgeable and trustworthy care.