Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine tour sparks massive health concerns. Internet says 'this isn't okay'

The US Surgeon General has issued a detailed advisory warning that excessive and harmful screen use among children and adolescents has become a major public health concern. In today’s digital environment, children are growing up surrounded by screens—from smartphones and tablets to gaming devices and televisions—with exposure often beginning before the age of one.By adolescence, many young people spend more time on screens than sleeping or attending school. The advisory highlights that while digital tools offer educational and social benefits, uncontrolled or compulsive use—especially of social media—can pose serious risks to physical, mental, emotional, and developmental health.What is “harmful screen use”?The advisory defines harmful screen use not simply by hours spent online, but by behavioral patterns that show loss of control. Key warning signs include:-Constant preoccupation with screens-Emotional distress when screen time is taken away-Hiding or lying about usage-Difficulty cutting down despite attempts-Declining school performance or responsibilities-Withdrawal from in-person interactions-Continued use despite negative consequencesIn severe cases, these behaviors resemble addiction-like patterns, where screen use begins to interfere with daily functioning and emotional stability.Why screen content mattersThe report emphasizes that not all screen time is equal. The type of content and platform design significantly influence risk levels. Harm increases when digital environments:-Use addictive design features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, or reward systems-Promote harmful behaviors like self-harm, substance use, or violent content-Enable contact from strangers, increasing risks of exploitation and sextortion-Use algorithms that manipulate attention and personalize content to maximize engagement-Include deceptive design patterns that lead to unintended actions or purchasesThese features are especially concerning for children, whose decision-making and impulse control systems are still developing.Scale of screen use among youthThe advisory highlights how deeply screens are embedded in daily life:-Toddlers average about 2 hours of screen use per day-Pre-teens and teenagers average 4+ hours daily-Nearly 50% of teens report losing track of time on their phonesScreens are used for entertainment, gaming, social media, shopping, and even interacting with AI tools—creating a constant and immersive digital environment.Key health and development risks1. Cognitive and emotional developmentResearch links early and excessive screen exposure to:-Delayed language development in young children-Reduced attention span and executive functioning-Changes in brain structure in heavy early users-Fewer opportunities for parent-child interaction and communicationExcessive screen time may also reduce emotional bonding and social skill development.2. Physical health impactsThe advisory identifies several physical risks:-Sleep disruption due to nighttime screen exposure and blue light-Increased risk of obesity due to sedentary behavior-Higher rates of myopia (projected to affect 40% of children by 2050)-Poor posture and musculoskeletal pain-Reduced physical activity and fitness levelsSleep disruption is highlighted as one of the most consistent and serious effects.3. Educational consequencesHigh screen use is associated with:-Lower academic performance and grades-Reduced attention in classrooms-Multitasking that weakens learning and memory-Less time spent on homework and studying-Lower achievement in core subjects like math and readingDigital distraction is shown to significantly reduce learning efficiency.4. Mental health and behavioral risksThe advisory raises strong concerns about mental health impacts, particularly linked to social media:-Increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem-Body image issues and disordered eating behaviors-Cyberbullying affecting nearly half of adolescents-Higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviorsGreate

A Texas woman, Marlene Vidal, was arrested after her two children, aged five and seven, were found dead in a burning car in San Antonio. Police say evidence suggests she acted alone, though the motive is unclear and mental health issues may have played a role.A Texas woman was arrested and charged with capital murder after her two kids were found dead in a burning car | For representational purposes.(Pixabay)A Texas woman was arrested on Friday (local time) and charged with capital murder after her two children were found dead in a car that was set on fire in San Antonio.NBC News on Saturday identified the woman as Marlene Vidal, 34, of Edinburgh, Texas. She was arrested after the bodies of her children, aged five and seven, were discovered in a vehicle engulfed in flames in a warehouse parking lot, according to police.In a press conference, San Antonio Police Assistant Chief Jesus Salame said a passerby was walking his dog when he called police to report the burning vehicle. Salame added that the accused had reportedly told the passerby she had already contacted police, though it is unclear whether that claim was true.After firefighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered the bodies of Vidal’s two children. However, it remains unclear whether they died before or after the car was set on fire. A local medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death.According to Salame, surveillance video and statements Vidal made to investigators suggest she was solely responsible for the deaths of the two children.Officials have not yet determined a motive, though Salame said there are indications that mental health issues may have played a role.“I know this is going to deeply affect our community,” he said. “People will naturally want to know why this happened, but in cases like this, that can be the most difficult question to answer.”Filicide cases in the USA CNN report, citing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) data, noted that there are nearly 500 arrests for filicide each year in the United States, the legal term for when a parent kills their child.Earlier in April, an ex-soldier in Louisiana killed eight children, seven of them his own, in what was described as the deadliest mass shooting in two years. Shamar Elkins, a 31-year-old father and former soldier, was reportedly suffering from mental health issues. According to The New York Times, a woman who raised him but was not his biological mother said he had attempted to take his own life in February.According to Elkins’ family members, he was reportedly struggling as he and his wife were going through a divorce. He had previously stayed at a local VA hospital for treatment related to mental health issues.A 2014 study examining 32 years of filicide arrest data found that between 1976 and 2007, most victims were children aged one to six years old.The analysis also showed that most offenders and victims were White, followed by Black individuals as the next most common group. It further found that about 90 per cent of victims were the biological children of the perpetrators. The research also indicated that mothers and fathers commit filicide at broadly similar rates.Motives behind filicide casesDr Phillip Resnick, a forensic psychiatrist at Case Western Reserve University, published a landmark 1969 study proposing five categories to explain the motivations behind filicide.According to Resnick’s study, the most common motives include:Fatal maltreatment: cases involving abuse or neglectUnwanted child: situations where parents view the child as a burdenSpousal revenge: rare cases linked to divorce or custody disputesAltruistic filicide: when a parent believes they are acting out of “love” or protectionAcute psychosis: cases in which the parent is experiencing hallucinations or severe mental illnessThe Texas incident adds to a pattern of rare but recurring filicide cases in the United States, where investigators often point to mental health concerns and domestic instability

British PM Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, citing a lack of vision and direction in the Labour government. The move has intensified speculation over a possible leadership challengeFILE PHOTO: Britain's Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, looks on as Prime Minister Keir Starmer(via REUTERS)As pressure mounts on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign following a growing revolt within the Labour Party, Health Secretary Wes Streeting became the first senior minister to quit on Thursday in what was seen as a precursor to challenging Starmer's leadership.Quoting Streeting, AP reported that he had lost confidence in Starmer, who should not serve out the rest of his term. In his resignation letter, the former Health Secretary wrote, "You have shown courage and statesmanship on the world stage — not least in keeping Britain out of the war in Iran," and added, "But where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift.”However, Streeting avoided saying he was the best candidate to lead the party at the next election due by 2029, suggesting Starmer should step aside to allow a “broad” field of candidates to debate the future of the party.Starmer's response to Streeting's resignationResponding to Streeting's resignation in a letter, the UK PM said that he was "truly sorry" to see him exit the government, while praising his stewardship of the state-run National Health Service (NHS).Starmer made no reference to the former Health Secretary's criticisms and laid out his hope that the two could work together to prove that the Labour Party in power can address the issues that their opponents exploit, can instill hope where they want despair, and can bring "people together where they want division.”Pressure mounts on Starmer to resignThe development comes as the UK PM faces intense pressure to step down following the party's disastrous performance in the local and regional elections last week. The heavy election defeat deepened doubts among many party members about Starmer’s judgment, vision, and leadership abilities, a harsh blow for the leader who brought Labour back to power in July 2024 after 14 years in opposition.Possible contenders against StarmerAccording to reports, if Starmer does not bow to the pressure and step down, any challenger would require backing from a fifth of Labour lawmakers, or 81, to trigger a leadership contest.For days, Streeting was expected to launch a bid on Thursday. However, the wording of his statement has now raised speculation that he doesn't have enough votes yet to challenge Starmer, or that he is giving the incumbent PM a chance to announce his resignation on his own terms.Apart from Streeting, another likely challenger is former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who said that she has arrived at an agreement with authorities to clear up questions regarding her taxes that forced her to leave the Cabinet last September. Speaking to The Guardian, Rayner said that Starmer should “reflect on” his position, adding that she was ready to “play my part” in any leadership election if Streeting triggered a contest.A third rival, Andy Burnham, is ineligible for the leadership because he doesn't have a seat in Parliament, but on Thursday afternoon, a Labour lawmaker said he would step aside to make room, and Burnham said he would seek permission from the party to enter a special election. He could then mount a leadership challenge if elected.Why is Starmer facing pressure to resign?More than 80 Labour lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction with Starmer after the party witnessed heavy losses in the elections last week, underscoring voter frustration with his government, which has failed to deliver on pledges to boost economic growth and improve living standards for working people.Further, a stagnant economy and stubbornly high inflation have made it difficult for Starmer’s government to deliver on the pro

Popular singer, TikTok star Tayler Holder stepped back from shows to focus to himself amid mental health struggles. He also talked about feeling lonely. Here's what happened to him.Tayler Holder, 28, issued a statement, cancelling upcoming shows of his ongoing tour.(Instagram)Tayler Holder left many worried with his latest update on social media. Citing a personal struggle with mental health, the singer cancelled his upcoming tour, When No One's Around. The former TikTok star said that he has reached a breaking point after months of his struggle. He called it one of the hardest decisions he's ever made.Tayler Holder cancels tour“To my fans, friends, and everyone who planned to come see these shows, This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I need to cancel my upcoming shows,” Tayler Holder took to his Instagram account and wrote.Holder revealed that he has been facing the issues for quite some time. Hence, he said that he would step back from work now."Over the past several months, I've been in a constant struggle with my mental health in ways that I can no longer ignore. I've tried for awhile now to put my head down and just push through this and give everything I have to the music and the people who support me, but truthfully I've reached my limit right now and I need to take a step back and focus on getting healthy," his post added.What happened to Tayler HolderIn the same statement, Tayler Holder talked about being lonely. He also hinted at the pressure of his tour."I'm doing everything I've ever dreamed of and I still feel so lonely, still feel so unfulfilled. Performing for you guys is the greatest privilege of my life, and this decision was not made lightly. I know many of you made plans, spent money, and were looking forward to these nights together. And I'm deeply sorry for the disappointment this causes," he apologised to fans."My hope is that this break will allow me to return stronger, healthier, and able to give you guys the performances you deserve. Thank you for your patience, compassion, and continued support. It means more than you'll ever know," Holder concluded his emotional post.Who is Tayler HolderTayler Holder is a 28-year-old country singer and former TikTok star. He hails from North Central Texas, Alvarado.His musical journey began in 2017 with his earliest track, Who I Am.He enjoys immense popularity with over 4.5 million followers on Instagram and over 19 million followers on TikTok.Holder rose to fame with his music touching upon sensitive themes of vulnerability, heartbreak and isolation. One of the latest works, When No One's Around, was released in April. The song talked about feeling lost and at an "all-time low" in his late 20s despite believing he would have "it all figured out" by 25.On April 2, in a viral TikTok video, Tayler Holder urged his followers to listen to the song as a sign to check on "your 'happy' friends."Meanwhile, his "When No One's Around Tour" included multiple stops, including St. Louis, Missouri, on May 13 and Kansas City on May 14. He was also set to perform in Atlanta on May 21 and Jacksonville, Florida on May 22.About the AuthorSneha BiswasSneha Biswas specialises in covering entertainment and pop culture, with a specialisation on Bollywood, Hollywood, OTT platforms, K-pop, K-dramas, and major developments in the US entertainment industry. She believes in telling stories that balance speed with substance, and in making entertainment journalism contextual, culturally aware, and reader-first rather than purely reactive. With over six years of experience in digital media, Sneha currently serves as a Deputy Chief Content Producer at Live Mint. She has spent more than three and a half years with the HT Group and returned to the organisation in February 2025, joining Live Mint to uplift the entertainment section. Over the past year, she has been closely involved in entertainment coverage including breaking news, explainers, trend reporting, box of