Dia Mirza opens up about teenage stepdaughter's struggle with screen time, compares it to substance abuse: 'It's like a dopamine addiction'

Economic Times

05-05-2025

Dia Mirza recently opened up about her 16-year-old stepdaughter Samaira's screen addiction, revealing that she once spent eight hours a day on her phone. In a heartfelt discussion, Dia shared how her family is working to reverse the issue, emphasizing the dangers of digital content for children and comparing screen addiction to substance abuse.
Dia Mirza opens up about her stepdaughter Samaira's battle with screen addiction, revealing how the family is working together to reduce her phone usage.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Teenage Screen Addiction: A Growing Concern
Comparing Screen Addiction to Substance Abuse
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Parenting Dynamics: Dia's Special Bond with Samaira
Dia Mirza is not just known for her stunning performances on screen or her passionate environmental advocacy , but also for her genuine approach to motherhood and family life. The versatile actress, who rose to fame after being crowned Miss Asia Pacific in 2000, has been a constant presence in the Bollywood industry. Beyond her acting career, she has carved a niche for herself as a loving wife and mother, balancing her personal life with her work. Recently, Dia shared an intimate aspect of her life that many parents may resonate with—her stepdaughter's struggle with phone addiction.During a candid appearance on Janice Sequeira's The Healing Circle, Dia Mirza opened up about the challenge her family faces in managing her teenage stepdaughter Samaira's screen time. In a world dominated by digital interactions, screen addiction has become a prevalent issue among teens, and Dia's family is no exception. The actress revealed that Samaira, her 16-year-old stepdaughter from husband Vaibhav Rekhi's first marriage, used to spend an astounding eight hours a day on her phone.'We're now trying to reverse that, but it's been an incredibly difficult journey,' Dia shared, highlighting the emotional and physical toll that excessive screen time takes on young people today. As a mother herself, Dia's commitment to guiding her family through modern parenting challenges is palpable, and she didn't shy away from addressing the deeply troubling trend of screen addiction among teens.Dia's reflections on the impact of screen addiction went beyond mere concern. She likened the addictive nature of screen content—especially material aimed at children—to substance abuse, drawing an uncomfortable parallel with the damaging effects of substances like cocaine. "Screen content, especially that created for children, is like a dopamine addiction," she explained, raising an alarm about the alarming trend of child exploitation online.She further expressed her concerns about how vulnerable children are to online abuse, including the rise of child pornography, which has led some countries to ban children under 16 from using social media. 'It is terrifying to see children being made up or put in provocative situations for the sake of views or content,' she stated, emphasizing the darker side of digital platforms.Dia's open conversation about Samaira's phone addiction also shed light on her relationship with her stepdaughter. In a previous interview with News18, Dia shared that Samaira calls her by her first name, 'Dia,' rather than the typical 'Mum' or 'Mumma.' While some might find this surprising, Dia is completely at peace with it, understanding that Samaira already has a loving mother with whom she shares a deep bond.'We haven't had any expectations around her calling me 'Mum,'' Dia said. 'She has a mother she calls 'Mumma,' and she calls me 'Dia.'' In a humorous twist, she also revealed that her son, Avyaan, has picked up the habit of calling her 'Dia mom.' This easy-going, open-minded approach to family dynamics showcases Dia's refreshing take on modern parenting—one that values emotional connections over traditional labels.From winning beauty pageants to creating a lasting impact in Bollywood, Dia Mirza's career trajectory is a testament to her versatility. After her debut in the iconic film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein in 2001, she became a household name in India with memorable roles in films like Parineeta, and Lage Raho Munna Bhai.However, it's her off-screen life that truly resonates with her fans—especially her commitment to balancing her family life, career, and personal values. Whether it's her work as an environmentalist or her willingness to discuss family matters openly, Dia has proven that she is much more than a star on the silver screen.