Latest news with #Snake
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Weekly Chinese Horoscope, July 20 to July 26 , 2025: 5 zodiacs that are lucky
Rat This week feels like a fresh start, Rat! You're getting a golden chance to hit the reset button whether that's on old habits, outdated routines, or unfinished dreams. Your week starts off strong with sharp focus and a to-do list that actually gets done. By midweek, things start falling into place at home or emotionally, giving you the boost you need to chase after something new. Planning, launching, or just dreaming big it's all looking promising. Just keep both feet on the ground and your eyes open as the weekend rolls in. Dragon Dragon, you're on fire this week! Your inner go-getter is ready to shine. You might find yourself naturally taking the lead at work, in a group project, or even in your personal life. Yes, some bumps may show up early on, but they're only sharpening your instincts. This is your green signal to kick off something exciting a fresh idea, a new connection, or even a bold move you've been waiting on. Speak up, trust your gut, and don't be afraid to take center stage. Snake Quietly clever Snake, this is your time to shine behind the scenes. You'll likely notice things others miss from smart money decisions to smoother daily routines. Your calm, thoughtful nature helps you sidestep chaos and stay focused on what really matters. This week, it's all about quiet wins: organizing your space, simplifying life, and staying two steps ahead. You don't need a spotlight to succeed your peaceful precision is your superpower. Dog Dear Dog, this week brings a lovely dose of calm and order. You're the master of planning and keeping things grounded, and this energy helps you tidy up both your physical space and your future goals. Family matters or financial plans could need your wise attention and you're totally up for it. Midweek, reconnect with loved ones or revisit old goals, it'll feel surprisingly refreshing. One step at a time, you're building something strong and meaningful. Pig Warm-hearted Pig, your week is filled with cozy vibes and emotional comfort. Think family time, soul-soothing chats, and creating a space that feels like you. It's a great time to clear out what's been weighing you down physically or emotionally. Whether you're cooking for loved ones, organizing your home, or just being your kind and caring self, your energy spreads love wherever you go. This is the week to slow down and enjoy the little things that make life feel full. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Stuff.tv
3 days ago
- Politics
- Stuff.tv
My town's schools banned smartphones. I think that's a bad idea
This week, sandwiched between emails about bake sales and discos, was a more ominous message from my kid's school. Starting in 2026, a smartphone ban will target youngest year groups first and then creep through schools like rising damp. By 2030, every local school will be smartphone-free, bar when kids need one for medical reasons. Everyone else? They'll be stuck with a data-free, camera-free, largely featureless 'feature phone', partying like it's 1999. This is a bad idea. Before I get a deluge of angry emails from parents, teachers and politicians, I get it. Smartphones can be a real problem. Concerns about mental wellbeing, social disengagement, bullying and distraction are not imagined. I'm not saying we hand TikTok-obsessed tweens iPhones and let them go wild in maths. And I'm fine locking smartphones in pouches during the school day. But banning them entirely, even for the commute? That's less modern policy and more like your granddad's Facebook rant got wildly out of hand. Locally, everything began with a parent pact. We were urged to sign a techno-purity pledge and promise to not give our kids phones until they turn 14. Then came surveys, full of leading questions, the results subsequently being waved around as justification for the ban. That bristled. The lack of thought given to practical knock-on effects is worse. Local bus companies assume kids have digital tickets. Homework schedules are online. So now kids will need paper tickets and two devices. Two numbers. Two contracts. They'll have two sets of messages, one of which can't be remotely policed, because brick phones lack that capability. And then there's the waste. One of the approved 'brick' phones. Good luck buying one in 2030. Although 2G will be gone by them too, so it won't matter anyway. The wrong call There are over 3000 secondary school students in my town alone. That's potentially hundreds – thousands – of landfill-bound devices that'll be bought for the express purpose of not being very useful. For families scraping by, that's hard cash wasted on obsolete tech. Not to mention the unnecessary environmental toll. Then there's the hypocrisy. Children will still have access to problematic content on tablets and laptops. Or perhaps we'll be urged to hide those too, ushering in a rigidly offline era of paper, pencils and pessimism. All of which starts to sound hysterical. Not least because the issue isn't the technology. It's how it's used. The 'something must be done' crowd is right, but we don't need a school smartphone ban. We need more education. Parents could start by using their own phones less, thereby setting a better example. More could learn how to use systems that block and reduce what their children can access on devices – something, note, that's beyond retro bricks. (Think kids can't get lost in a haze of Snake and SMS? Guess again.) Schools have a role to play too. A local private school we could not afford (short of my phone going 'ding' and announcing I'd won the lottery) takes a thoughtful approach. Year 7 students start with minimal phone use. Rights and responsibilities gradually expand over the years. By the time students leave, they've learned to use smartphones mindfully, positively and maturely. Wider society, though, is doing what it always does when faced with change. Ban it. Shut it down. Pretend it doesn't exist and hope it goes away. That won't help when kids come 'of age' for smartphones and have no idea how to use them responsibly, because no one taught them how.
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
TikTok-less iPhone promises 'to reconnect children with life' - for £99 a month
No internet, no social media, no scrolling. No, this isn't a Nokia 3410 – even that had Snake and a web browser – but a new phone that claims to be the 'world's only healthy iPhone for kids'. Sage Mobile is a modified iPhone 16 being offered in the UK on a £99 a month contract by the American tech company Techless. The basic handset, launched today, comes installed with software that limits the iPhone's use to texts, calls and taking photos and videos. The stripped-back App Store, meanwhile, only offers a few apps, such as for navigating public transport, banking or checking weather forecasts. 'Harmful websites and adult content are filtered automatically,' the Sage website adds. Chris Kaspar, CEO and founder of Techless, told Metro that the idea for the 'health-first' handset came from personal experience. 'I'm a foster parent, and a few years ago, I welcomed two children into my care who weren't allowed to have smartphones because of past issues,' he said. 'One night, I realised how unfair it was that there wasn't a safe option, something that gave kids a connection without exposing them to the risks that so many smartphones are designed to create.' It's almost common knowledge these days that too much time spent on smartphones and social media can increase anxiety, depression and other mental health problems, especially among young people. Almost every child owns a phone by the time they're 12, according to an official report. But youngsters are online long before that – by eight years old, children were plugged in for an average of two hours and 45 minutes a day, according to the media regulator Ofcom. Some schools have banned smartphones during school hours, with teachers arguing that children being too glued to glowing screens can be detrimental to their education. Campaigners are increasingly calling on parents and guardians to give their children 'dumbphones', also known as feature phones. Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, told Metro: 'The truth is, the standard smartphone is simply not designed with children's wellbeing in mind. 'It's designed to capture their attention, mine their data, and keep them scrolling.' Parents tell the campaign group 'all the time' that as much as they want to give their children a phone to contact them, they worry they'll be 'sucked into TikTok', which can contribute to low confidence and self-esteem. Greenwell doubts that dumbphones, like the Sage Mobile, could act as 'gateways' to further phone usage down the line. 'Smartphones are part of life, they're everywhere and they're not going anywhere,' she said. 'We're not anti-tech, it's just about making sure that our kids, whose brains are still being built, are ready for everything that the internet and social media apps bring before we hand over a full-fat smartphone – we'd suggest that's not before 14, and no social media before 16.' But Greenwell worries that the Sage phone's price point is out of reach for low-income families, who often spend more time on their phones. 'While it's encouraging to see innovation in this space, safer phones shouldn't be a luxury item,' she said. 'This price point risks sending the message that safety is only for those who can afford it.' Kaspar said Techless, which partnered with Apple and Vodafone for Sage, intends to offer cheaper contracts in the future. The £99 price tag is down to it being on a contract, which can be cancelled at any time, and the removal of the app store and web browser. 'At the end of the day, we're not selling phones, we're selling trust. Our launch pricing is what is required for us to provide trustworthy, world-class service,' Kaspar said. 'Our sincere purpose is to serve as many UK families as possible and we recognise that our launch pricing isn't right for everyone… yet.' Academics have never quite agreed about the negative effects of social media and smartphones on children. In 2020, researchers combed through about 40 studies that have examined the link between the two among teenagers. They found that as much as excess phone use can worsen the mental health of vulnerable youngsters or keep children away from outside activities like exercise, many young people would suffer the issues they do with or without a phone. A study in the US last month found that children's troubled mental health around phone usage had less to do with the amount of hours a day they're staring at a screen, but their attitudes towards it. Children at higher risk for suicidal behaviours were those who told researchers their use of technology had become 'addictive', struggling to put their mobiles down, even if they used them infrequently. Addiction, the study stressed, can be the root cause, not just time. More Trending Ioana Axinte, an educational consultant and the founder of Play Moments, said that ensuring children and adolescents have meaningful real-world experiences is vital. 'Do I think Sage Mobile is a bad thing? No, it's a conversation starter for a conversation we simply have to start having,' she told Metro. 'But it must be paired with education, empathy, and engagement. A phone can't raise a child, relationships do.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: All the dangers of 'slushies' after under-sevens warned not to drink them MORE: Pass the parcel? My child is invited to parties with hummers and helicopters MORE: 'This is one of my best purchases as a mum'
Refinery29
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Why Tanning Feels So Complicated For South Asian Women Like Me
Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29's global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there's no such thing as safe sun. Six weeks of summer break now feel like a distant memory. Blink and suddenly your free time is rationed out in annual leave days. Back then, summer followed a familiar pattern: in between playing Snake on my mum's brick phone and reading my latest library book, I'd wait patiently for the first kid on our quiet street to knock on my door with the simple question: 'Do you want to play out? ' This usually meant transforming our empty driveways into makeshift cricket pitches, with green wheelie bins expertly placed as wickets, before taking turns to whack a tennis ball as far as we could. Hours in the sun inevitably left me with a tan, the mark of an enjoyable summer. But not everybody saw my tan as a badge of honour like I did. One day, I walked back into my house after a fun-filled afternoon, ready to relay tales of my (largely fabricated) sporting triumphs. Instead, my aunt led the conversation. She was in total shock — actually, disgust — at my darker skin tone, and scolded my mum for allowing me to play in the sun all summer. 'You look dark just like that Bipasha,' she said with disapproval. She was referring to Bipasha Basu, a prominent Bollywood actress, who was heavily criticised throughout her career thanks to her darker skin. Basu was relentlessly picked apart for not being 'fair and lovely' — a beauty standard thrust on South Asian women. As such, even her acting talent was called into question. The message from then on was clear: dark skin was not pretty. Why is tanned skin still taboo among South Asians? For South Asians, this is a deeply entrenched belief. Historically, darker skin has been associated with lower status, especially among outdoor labourers who spent significant time in the sun. Meanwhile, lighter skin was often considered the ultimate mark of privilege, wealth and a higher social standing. But fast forward to 2025, and this deep-rooted stigma is still pervasive among darker-skinned South Asians today. Being teased and likened to Basu was a regular occurrence during my childhood, and it was confusing. After all, Basu was beautiful; she was a Bollywood star for goodness' sake. So why were our similar skin tones such a bad thing? And why was it acknowledged with so much overt distaste? While it felt conflicting, I saw no appeal in hiding away from the sun just to stay fair. I didn't recognise it then, but I'd later realise that this was colourism rearing its ugly head. I'm certainly not the only one who's been side-eyed — or openly shamed — for enjoying some sun. In fact, this tension is commonplace in South Asian families. Bhavi*, who was 25 at the time, recalls returning from a beach holiday feeling herself. She'd attained a 'nice glow', but her family didn't take the same view. They were worried she would look 'too dark' for an upcoming wedding and Bhavi tells me that she was strongly encouraged to use tan remover to ensure she looked good in her sari. After this incident, not to mention a string of similar experiences that followed, tanning now has a derogatory connotation for Bhavi. Even if somebody genuinely compliments her tan, it still feels like a criticism: 'I automatically take it as a negative thing,' she says. ' I think it's time to let go of the myth that melanin is some type of super shield — or worse, something to fear or be ashamed of. ' Why are so many South Asians reluctant to wear sunscreen? South Asian beauty standards have long dictated the 'right' skin tone, among other ideals such as clear skin and thinness. This has inevitably shaped our complex relationships with tanning — and inadvertently sun protection, too. Colourism and outdated beauty ideals also shape how — and if — South Asian women use sun protection. Sunscreen is rarely used for skin health, but rather to appease internalised fears of becoming 'too dark'. In some cases, sunscreen is avoided altogether — and there is evidence to support this. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, one-third of South Asian American respondents reported being more concerned about the prevention of tanning over skin cancer. This makes sense, given that sun protection advice for South Asians tends to be limited to: 'Don't get too dark, otherwise nobody will marry you.' In a similar vein, a 2025 study showed that 41% of surveyed South Asian adults said they skip sunscreen due to 'low perceived risk' of sun damage. This goes to show just how little the benefits of wearing sunscreen are discussed in South Asian households, let alone taken seriously. It is unsurprising, then, that many South Asian women tell me they began their SPF journeys much later in life. Riya*, who is 43 next month, admits that she only started using sunscreen three years ago. It wasn't a dermatologist or a skincare influencer that got through to her, but her 13-year-old daughter, who Riya says is 'constantly schooling' her on the topic: 'I genuinely never knew how much of a concern [sun damage] was,' she says, grateful to her daughter for pushing the subject. This is particularly heartening because, speaking from experience, getting a South Asian to change their viewpoint is no small feat. As a community, we are undeniably stuck in our ways, so Riya's story is a reminder that the next generation of South Asians can be better informed and break the cycle. Similarly, Meena*, 47, rarely used sun protection growing up, but began to take it more seriously in the last ten years. This became even more pressing after a recent health scare. Meena had a basal cell carcinoma — the most common type of skin cancer, usually caused by sun exposure — removed earlier this year. 'I never thought I could get skin cancer,' Meena tells me. She was surprised to learn from her doctor that it was not down to new sun exposure, but rather the result of several years of UV exposure over time. Reflecting on South Asian attitudes around sunscreen, Meena points out: 'Darker-skinned communities don't really think about [skin cancer] as they've lived without sun protection for generations, so it's pretty standard to not use any.' Is it time for South Asians to rethink our approach to sun protection? If there was ever a time for South Asians to rethink their relationship with sun protection, it's now. Meena's story tracks with what consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari is seeing in the clinic. She tells me that skin cancer statistics and the demographics it affects have shifted since COVID: 'The number of early melanomas, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is increasing,' she explains. There's data to support Dr Tewari's anecdotal evidence. Skin cancer cases are on the rise and the projected numbers for 2025 are sobering. According to Melanoma UK, 19,513 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. In the US, the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates 212,000 new cases and 8,430 related deaths. While there is less data on skin cancer rates among South Asians, the risk is still very real and stories like Meena's are a stark reminder of the price of dismissing sun care. This is especially important given the longstanding myths that 'brown people can't get skin cancer' or 'brown people can't burn'. I have personally shown the latter to be false. These beliefs clearly still hold a lot of weight in South Asian communities; nearly half of the surveyed South Asian Americans in the aforementioned 2024 study believe they are not at risk of skin cancer. London-based consultant dermatologist Dr Shaaira Nasir wants to dispel the falsehood that South Asians are somehow immune to skin cancer: 'Even though melanin provides some protection against the sun's harmful rays, as [South] Asians we still need to protect our skin by using sunscreen,' she explains. She adds that sun exposure is cumulative and causes around 80% of our skin ageing. So where do you even start with sun protection? Dr Shaaira recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50. 'It's worth investing in a tinted mineral sunscreen (containing zinc or titanium oxide) that will protect against both UV and visible light,' she adds. It sounds simple enough, but for many South Asian women, finding the right sunscreen is anything but. Many sunscreens on the market are guilty of leaving a lingering white cast, which may be another reason why sunscreen is often skipped. Of course, some products don't leave the cast of shame, but they're not always easy on the wallet. What the industry needs is innovative sun protection with brown skin tones in mind, as well as accessible price points. Dr Tewari agrees that increased melanin is nowhere near enough protection on its own. Even more concerningly, she sees many South Asian patients with darker skin tones who are often worried about skin issues like hyperpigmentation — worsened by sun exposure — but far fewer who are considering the risk of skin cancer. To bridge this disconnect, Dr Tewari is keen to see South Asians not only protect their skin but also celebrate their skin colour regardless of the shade. 'We all need to love and accept our skin tone,' she says, adding, 'My patients of colour probably don't appreciate how lucky they are to have a beautiful darker skin tone.' But the narrow goal of fair skin often means that we can't see past the cultural constraints and aren't thinking of the bigger picture when it comes to sun protection. I think it's time to let go of the myth that melanin is some type of super shield — or worse, something to fear or be ashamed of. Our melanin makes us beautiful, yes, but it doesn't make us invincible. We also don't need to hide from the sun (despite what the whispers of cultural stigma might have you believe), but rather rewrite what sun protection looks like for us, with daily SPF and regular skin checks (perhaps even mole mapping) as part of that routine. More crucially, we need a shift in the cultural conversation around sun care. There is an undeniable knowledge gap around this in South Asian communities, stemming partly from ignorance and generational beliefs. But as Meena's 'eye-opening' skin cancer experience shows, it has never been more important for South Asians to educate themselves, not just for their own sake but for future generations.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Weekly Horoscope (July 14 – July 20): Predictions for Snake Chinese Zodiac
Snake zodiac people are wise and often like to plan and work quietly. But this week tells you to use your energy not only for results but also for peace. You may feel tired if you keep chasing goals without rest. It is time to ask yourself—does this effort bring joy? If not, pause. Your peace is more valuable than praise. Focus on what makes your heart feel balanced. Weekly Career Horoscope for Snake Chinese Zodiac Workplace duties may feel heavy if you are doing everything alone. This week, share your load. Say no where needed. Your work style is smart, but not everything must be perfect. Finish only what truly matters. A calm mind will solve more problems than speed. Respect your own limits. Your career grows better when your inner peace stays strong. Choose balance, not only achievement. Weekly Love Horoscope for Snake Chinese Zodiac In relationships, do not push yourself to act perfect or always be giving. Ask what gives you comfort too. If love brings peace, it is real. If it brings stress, take a step back. Spend time quietly with your partner instead of planning big things. For singles, give energy only where your heart feels light. Real love does not disturb—it calms and heals. Choose calm over chaos. Weekly Money Horoscope for Snake Chinese Zodiac Money matters need a gentle review this week. You may be spending to prove something or to feel secure. But peace comes from planning, not spending. Buy only what makes life easier, not heavier. Cut useless expenses. Invest in what supports your lifestyle peacefully. Even if you earn less this week, manage it well. A peaceful pocket will bring more happiness than a full one with stress. Weekly Education Horoscope for Snake Chinese Zodiac Snake students often study deeply but feel mental pressure. This week, do not aim for only marks—aim for peace. Study in a quiet space, follow your rhythm. Avoid competition with others. Make a plan that gives you time to breathe too. Inner calm will help you understand better. Let your energy be used where your heart feels good. Knowledge stays longer when learned peacefully. Weekly Health Horoscope for Snake Chinese Zodiac This week, health asks for peace. You may feel tightness in chest or low digestion if stress is high. Eat light food. Take small breaks between tasks. Avoid harsh light or loud sound. Meditation or soft music can bring your body back to balance. You don't need to fix everything. Just stop, rest, and heal. Inner peace is your true medicine now. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
