Experts In The Fields Of Law, Media, Music, And Wellness Share Valuable Tips For Raising Teens

Take a look at these snippets from interviews with experts from our exclusive 'InBeTWEEN' video series for teens. And if you want more, listen to the complete video interviews.

Privacy and The Law

Sanjay Pinto, Lawyer and Journalist

Teen privacy is a hotly debated topic. Social media posts, even those set to private, can be seen by many. But we should understand that the right to privacy is a fundamental right. So, when school authorities question students on what they do after school hours, it places them on a slippery slope. As long as it doesn't infringe on students' right to privacy and it relates to the school in some way, it's fine. For example, let's say the students have been given an assignment, and a student says she was at the hospital and hence couldn't complete it. Then the school principal or the teacher is well within her rights to probe further. But there has to be a Lakshman Rekha (boundaries). Students are entitled to their private lives.

Parents should create legal awareness in their children and explain to them the different laws. There are several cases where teenagers have broken down, saying they didn't realize their actions had consequences. It is also important that parents give their children enough freedom, but at the same time make sure their child doesn't abuse that freedom. Parents should treat their children like their friends so that their children don't get scared to confide in them when they have a problem. Parents can be a little strict, but they shouldn't go overboard with discipline.

Sanjay Pinto is a lawyer, columnist, author, public speaker, talk show host, and the former bureau chief at NDTV 24 x 7. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-omS7RJJxxk

The Road to Success

The Nandy Sisters Antara and Ankita, Singers

It was during our high school years that we started spending a lot of time with each other, singing and documenting them as videos. We shared our first video as 'Nandy Sisters' on social media, where we created music using random things such as cups and chopsticks. We wanted to tell people that you can make music anywhere, anytime, and through anything. Soon, our videos went viral. Social media is a wonderful platform for every content creator. You don't have to physically go to people and make them listen to your stuff anymore. All you need to do is tag the right people and then you're just there.

Rather than cool teenagers, we were very studious and serious. Our school years had us rushing to school and back home, attending tuition and music classes, and then eating, sleeping, and getting back to the grind the next morning. We are a team and we work together. Both of us are in charge of the music. The rest is taken care of by our parents. Our dad takes care of the microphone, wires, internet connection, and all those technical things, while our mom takes care of our dress and the background. From whatever little experience we have gained, all we can say is if you enjoy what you're doing and give your 100% without slacking down, it's sure to pay off.

The Nandy sisters are popular singers whose balcony concerts have gone viral on social media. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVPAi8oQQs&t=1s

The World of Radio Jockeying

RJ Jane (Jane Jeyakumar), Digital Content Producer and Radio Presenter 

What it takes to be a radio jockey is just your ability to string together words to bring out emotions. There's so much you can do with your voice. Every single RJ, no matter how big or small in terms of recognition, is bringing joy and happiness to somebody who is not feeling OK. That's why radio will never die. My listeners bring in their kids, food, love and problems to my studio. They really treat us like family.

The young people I work with—producers and digital creators want to do so many things, from vlogging to podcasting. The younger generation is risk-taking and adaptive, and I am learning so much from them. The only way you can step into the next level is by taking risks, whether it's in radio or technology. But one word of caution. Try and see to it that you don't get too carried away. Identify what you're really good at and hold on to it. Take risks but zoom in on what you like.

RJ Jane is a popular RJ and producer at Radio One, Bengaluru. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA3U5xL0sWU

Fitness in Teens

Mickey Mehta, Holistic Health and Fitness Guru

Obesity is a madness of the mind which doesn't understand WHEN to stop eating, WHAT to eat, HOW MUCH to eat, and at WHAT TIME to eat. Obesity is a disorder of the mind. You can put your mind in order with a little discipline and self-love. If you start eating clean and green vegetarian food, which heals and fortifies you, you'll automatically eat less. The foods that you eat in large quantities are those that are processed. For instance, even though people love mangoes, they usually eat two or three and stop. They don't eat 12. But with samosas, you won't know when to stop!

To combat obesity, you need to be disciplined. After every meal, stay a little hungry, especially in the evenings. Finish dinner by 6:30 PM or 7 PM. Try to be active in the morning, and in the evening, stretch and do slow activities. Good sleep is important to fight obesity. And finally, obesity is often a result of stressful eating or eating out of lethargy, compulsion, or frustration. This is because the creative process of your mind is shut off. So, engage your mind in creative processes. Remember, the positive use of imagination is creativity, and the negative use of imagination is eating and stress.

Mickey Mehta is a leading holistic health, wellness and fitness guru, radio presenter, and columnist. For the complete interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae8v7pC6pDA&t=769s