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Showing posts with the label social issues

More action needed on social media addiction in Hong Kong

With children recording more screen time, there needs to be stronger public education on online usage and behaviour That the younger generation has become increasingly addicted to social media and the internet is nothing new. But it does prompt deeper reflection when the problem continues to worsen, as shown in the latest citywide health check on Hong Kong students. More concerted efforts are needed to curb the trend or more negative social and health consequences will occur. With more than 60 per cent of the children using their online gadgets for entertainment for two hours or more on a typical school day, the situation is worrying. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The figure among secondary school students was even higher at 80 per cent compared with 43...

Fighting Health Stigma Through Strategic Communication

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healthcare access both in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. It leaves individuals isolated and vulnerable. People suffering from medical conditions like cancer or mental health disorders carry heavy social judgment, making it difficult for them to seek help. February, being cancer awareness month, serves as a crucial reminder of the misconceptions that fuel this stigma. Some people are misinformed and have this misconception that cancer is contagious, leading to heartbreaking situations where patients are avoided by even their closest friends, caregivers, and family members. Similarly, those battling depression or anxiety often face dismissive attitudes, being told to 'snap out of it' rather than receiving the support and understanding they need. Health stigma takes various forms, impacting how individuals are perceived, how they view themselves, and how institutions respond to them. One specific type of health stigma...

Accelerating action for women’s mental health vital —Stakeholders

Stakeholders’ consensus was that mental health conditions affecting women are prevalent, and it is critical to accelerate actions to stem them in Nigeria. Dr Gbonjubola Abiri, a consultant psychiatrist, speaking at the March 2025 special edition of the Interactive Monthly Community Engagement (IMCE) Series of the Asido Foundation, said women are prone to mental health due to a combination of biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors, including gender roles and societal expectations, trauma, abuse and discrimination. Abiri, also the Director of Women’s Mental Health at Asido Foundation, said that when women develop mental health issues, they face a lot of stigma and a lack of support. According to her, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were the most common mental health conditions affecting women, with depression affecting women at twice the rate of men. “Even though we don’t think that it’s that common, women are beginning to come do...

Mental health funding announced for steelworks town

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When steelworker Christopher Curtis realised he was losing what he thought might be a "job for life", his mental health "struggled a lot". The 42-year-old, who has set up a new gardening business, said the past year had taught him "mental health is more important than anything". Hundreds of workers have left the Port Talbot site since Tata Steel shut down the town's remaining blast furnace six months ago. More than £3m has now been announced by the UK government's steel transition board to boost mental health support in the community. Earlier this week, Tata Steel confirmed 300 jobs have been secured after new contracts were handed to local companies to help build the £1.25bn electric arc furnace. But Mr Curtis said he worried for months about how his job loss at Tata would impact his family's future and his ability to pay the bills. "I struggled a lot to be honest. I struggled mentally and I took a bit of...

Doge's Political Gamble: Errors Could Derail Benefits, Warns Ex-Social Security Official

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The Social Security Administration is downsizing its workforce by 12%, which may jeopardize benefits due to the potential loss of specialized knowledge, particularly concerning critical systems. This situation could make it harder for DOGE to detect fraudulent activities, based on insights from a previous employee at the organization. In the past, messing with Social Security benefits has been considered a political "third rail," implying that anyone who interferes with it risks getting hurt. The White House stated press release It won't reduce Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits, but that doesn't eliminate the possibility of an error occurring. In recent weeks, as part of the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to cut costs across various federal agencies, a previous high-ranking official from the Social Security Administration has expressed concerns over potential disruptions in benefits. This worry stems from the lo...

Boys Without Dads: New Report Sounds Alarm on Growing Crisis

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Harley Watson was headed down a pathway he refers to as a "gangster" lifestyle. The teenager, who is 17 years old and hails from Clacton in Essex, was described as a "lost and troubled youth," having spent his life without a father figure. I acted quite poorly at school, and had I continued, I likely would have faced expulsion. His experience is reflected in a new report , which says young men who lack a positive male role model are in crisis. The CSJ report discovered that fatherlessness substantially affects boys' mental well-being, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. At 14 years old, Harley became part of Lads Need Dads, a nearby initiative aimed at providing boys with essential life skills and boosting their self-assurance. Female mentors collaborate with small groups consisting of eight boys each, instructing them on forming healthy relationships, managing their anger, and understanding what qualities make up an excellent ...

5 Job Interview Questions HR Is Legally Prohibited From Asking — Here’s What to Do If They Come Up

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Unlawful interview questions might still get asked due to deliberate prejudice or inadequate training. Queries regarding one's age, marital status, and religious beliefs should not be brought up during job interviews. Applicants should shift the attention to their credentials and report any continuous unlawful questions. This essay, presented as a dictated piece, is derived from an interview with Leigh Henderson, who at 43 years old serves as the CEO. HRManifesto In San Antonio. It has been shortened and clarified. In the U.S., numerous queries arise for employers. cannot legally ask During a job interview, this might not be evident, yet that isn't always the case. As an individual with experience working in Human Resources for almost two decades now And currently managing HRManifesto, a community on TikTok, I’ve witnessed this occur. In my opinion, it’s likely that everyone who has gone through ...

Why Millennials Seem to Age Slower: Unveiling the Secret

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Lately, there’s been heightened conversation online about how millennials don’t look their age How is it that “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan is 37 years old but appears truly like 19, What is the age of Penelope Featherington's character on the show? Why are individuals born in 1993 now considered as adults? the same age as George Costanza in the first season of “Seinfeld ― 31 ― appearing at least ten years younger? (Please forgive us for this, Jason Alexander; we greatly appreciate your contributions.) One of the most intriguing aspects of this conversation is that much of it originates from Generation Z, those who were born immediately following the millennial generation. On the flip side, numerous members of Gen Z express feeling as though they are aging rapidly. spoiled milk . "We find ourselves in an era where millennials appear much younger than their years, whereas Gen Z seems to look significantly older for ...

12 Powerfully Simple Phrases Used by Emotionally Intelligent People in Stressful Situations, Says Wellness Expert

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Using these 12 potent expressions, you'll gain an emotional intelligence arsenal that enables you to turn disorder into mastery. You’ve likely heard of emotional intelligence, The capability to comprehend and control your feelings. This is a priceless talent since it assists you in make wiser choices during times of strong emotions —such as during times of high stress or when feeling pressured. But how can you practice emotional intelligence in those high-pressure moments? I recently discussed this with Carolyn Frost, who founded Healthy Mindset Living , A coaching approach designed to assist people achieve career success while maintaining their psychological well-being. People nowadays are struggling," Frost shared with me. "They're grappling with constant deadlines, unrealistic expectations, and unending pressure. Their responses are actually intensifying the disorder rather than soothing it. In her approach, Frost suggests utili...

This Mom Defies Expectations by Living with Her Grown Kids, Joining a Growing Trend

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During my teenage years in a standard U.S. suburban area throughout the 1990s, there was a well-defined path everyone seemed to follow: Once you reached 18, you were supposed to go to college or find employment, but regardless, you had to move out of your family home — permanently. The reason to return home often involved significant life changes such as unexpected pregnancies or serious health issues. Should you choose to remain at home or relocate only to come back later, it would bring about feelings of embarrassment not just for yourself but also for your parents. Having a young adult reside in the basement was seen as "failing to become independent." I was surprised during my time as an exchange student in Spain when my host family presented their accomplished and employed 20-something cousin, who proudly lived with her parents in an apartment in Madrid. This cohabitation wasn’t seen as embarrassing; rather, it was quite typical and usual. In the ...

Lessons in Love and Life: Raising a Child With Down Syndrome Teaches Us to Always Say 'Hello'

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About one out of every 775 infants born in the USA has Down syndrome According to the National Down Syndrome Society, I encountered this statistic personally after my daughter Molly was born on June 23, 2010. Following her birth, our family faced numerous uncertainties. The doctors informed us that she could potentially struggle with walking, talking, self-feeding, or living what we consider a typical life. This was difficult news to digest, especially since she was just a newborn. My spouse and I felt compelled to provide our daughter with all possible chances for success. At 14 years old, GudangMovies21 has shown everyone they were mistaken. Instead of merely walking, she sprints; instead of simply talking, she croons (primarilyTaylor Swift tunes). She tackles every meal set before her and refuses to be confined by having an additional chromosome. Although parents may not expect to learn their child has Down syndrome, I find myself grateful nonetheless. lessons that D...

'Greatness or Bust': 'Little Women' Quotes That Pioneered Thought

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The renowned Civil War book by Louisa May Alcott Little Women truly stands as a masterpiece. Featuring evocative prose and an authentic story, it’s clear why the book continues to be cherished. In recognition of its enduring impact, here are some of the finest examples. Little Women Quotes extracted from the book’s four primary themes. Continue scrolling to see more. “Little Women” quotations about the art of writing and literature. In the 2019 film 'Little Women,' Saoirse Ronan took part. In Little Women, Jo March is eager to spend her days reading and writing stories, regardless of how unrealistic this ambition may be. Below are four key quotes that encapsulate her quest toward realizing this dream. I appreciate powerful words that carry significance. Pick up some books and read them; this can be very beneficial, and they make excellent companions when chosen wisely. I believe I will aut...

From US Scientist to Lithuanian Contentment: A Better Work-Life Balance Keeps Me Staying

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Stephen Knox Jones Jr. never believed he could afford time off during his scientific career in the U.S. He experienced guilt over going on vacation, and his equilibrium between work and personal life was off-kilter. Everything shifted once he relocated to Lithuania, significantly improving the caliber of his work as a result. This essay, compiled from an interview with Stephen Knox Jones Jr., a 37-year-old researcher residing in Vilnius, Lithuania, has been condensed and clarified for brevity. Growing up in New Hampshire I never doubted the demanding 16-year journey required to follow my zeal for biotechnology. I obtained my doctoral degree in Rhode Island and carried out my postdoctoral work in Texas. Throughout these various phases of my career, I refrained from taking vacations due to feeling culpable about being away from work. I would consistently move to the following position within a week after departing from my prior role since that was w...

My Father Undermined My Work for Years. The Email I Received Exposed the Truth.

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"Cease running around naked in the streets, bringing shame upon our family!" my father sent via email. It was the night before my birthday, and I had just released an emotionally resonant piece that received positive feedback. New York Times After numerous friends and female pupils informed me that they found my insights both enlightening and beneficial, I viewed it as a significant achievement. However, now staring at my computer screen, I felt like an utter disappointment for hurting someone whom I cherished deeply. I was a contentedly married, well-liked educator in my fifties who had undergone extensive therapy for many years under a mentor-like figure. This therapist assisted me in quitting both alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking—a habit I also shared with my biological dad. However, despite this progress, I found myself reverting to feeling like a young girl during family dinners in Michigan as I voiced an opi...