A little understanding can be a beginning.

Digital habits can affect the whole family and follow us into the workplace. Drawing on her doctoral research and counselling experience, Dr. Sheba reflects on how screen use can sometimes be connected with stress, loneliness or a wish to feel more in control. Understanding the context is a useful place to begin.

Start with curiosity. What does the device offer: company, distraction, entertainment or a break from demands? Ask that question before turning the conversation into criticism or a countdown of minutes online.

Parents and leaders help set expectations. Discuss boundaries that adults can model too, whether that means a shared meal without phones or clearer expectations about messages outside working hours. Make room for movement, rest and time with other people.

The aim is a healthier relationship with technology, rather than a rule that everyone must be screen-free. If digital habits are disrupting everyday life, a counselling conversation can help explore what support would fit. Heavy use alone does not establish an addiction.

Adapted from Dr. Sheba’s LinkedIn post.

Conversations about body safety can help children ask questions and tell a trusted adult when something worries them. Responsibility for protecting children belongs with adults; abuse is never a child’s fault.

If a child shares a concern, listen patiently and take it seriously. Avoid pressing for details or showing disbelief. Explain that you may need to involve people who can help keep them safe, rather than promising secrecy.

Conversations about boundaries can be simple and ongoing. Invite children to ask questions and tell you when something worries them. The aim is an environment in which they can seek help without fear of blame.

If you suspect abuse, seek appropriate local child-protection or emergency support. Counselling is not a substitute for safeguarding action. The supporting NSPCC guidance below offers further information for adults responding to a disclosure.

Adapted and updated from Dr. Sheba’s LinkedIn article, published 28 December 2018.

Exam pressure can be difficult to talk about when every conversation returns to results. How can families discuss studying while making room for a young person’s experience?

Ask what feels difficult today. Is it understanding a topic, starting a task, managing expectations or asking for help? These questions invite a conversation; they do not require a teenager to explain every concern at once.

Parents can discuss what practical support is available, such as speaking with a teacher or reviewing household expectations. Ask the young person what would help, and keep the discussion open to their perspective.

For planned counselling, contact MindInfinity to discuss suitability, guardian consent where needed, and how confidentiality works. No academic result or particular counselling outcome can be promised.

A website reflection on the theme of Dr. Sheba’s community exam-stress workshop, 15 February 2026.

“Creating an Inclusive Campus: Respect, Equality and Belonging” was the theme of a seminar at St. Francis College, Bengaluru, on 28 August 2026. The programme was organised by the Gender Sensitisation Club in association with IQAC, with Sheba Suchitra as speaker.

The theme invites institutions to reflect on everyday experiences of belonging. Who feels able to participate? How can students ask for support? What opportunities are there to listen to different perspectives?

A workshop brief can begin with the audience, their questions and the institution’s priorities. Agreeing on the focus together helps keep the conversation relevant to the people taking part.

Schools and colleges can contact MindInfinity to discuss an appropriate programme, delivery mode and fee. The scope is agreed before booking.

A website reflection on the theme of the St. Francis College seminar, 28 August 2026.