Wheel of Fortune Akshay Kumar paused the fun to address a concern many households grapple with today excessive mobile phone usage and digital dependency.
Highlighting how casually scrolling through short videos can quietly turn into hours of screen time Akshay reflected on how technology when left unchecked, can begin to control everyday life. He stressed the importance of awareness, discipline and conscious parenting in a world dominated by smartphones and social media.
During the episode Akshay engaged contestants Akash Singh, Priyanshi Singh and Prateek Chaturvedi in a thought-provoking yet playful discussion on persuasion and modern habits. Kicking things off light-heartedly he asked Akash who works in sales how he would sell a pair of sunglasses. Akash confidently replied that wearing them would improve one’s vision. Turning to travel blogger Prateek who has explored countries like Norway and London on his bike Akshay posed the same question to which Prateek responded that the glasses would make the world look more colourful. When app developer Priyanshi was asked how she would promote the same product digitally she cleverly quipped that sunglasses offer relief from excessive glare and visual overload.
The conversation soon shifted to a more serious note when Akshay questioned the growing dominance of social media apps and asked parents in the audience whether they felt their children were becoming addicted to screens. One parent shared how children today often refuse to eat without watching something on a mobile phone.
Responding thoughtfully Akshay emphasised that parents must first reflect on their own choices. He pointed out that many children are introduced to mobile devices at a very young age by adults themselves unknowingly setting the foundation for dependency. He described early exposure to screens as a subtle trap and shared a concerning anecdote about a close friend whose prolonged screen habits had led to serious health complications and digital rehabilitation.
Addressing parents directly, Akshay underlined that recognising early warning signs is crucial. He stressed that children are not to be blamed guidance, boundaries and correction must come from parents. “If you feel something is going wrong, it’s your responsibility to step in” he conveyed urging adults to lead by example.
To further explain his point Akshay cited traditional community practices from indigenous cultures, where children are allowed to learn through experience under watchful guidance rather than constant restriction. He explained how such lessons once learned stay for life reinforcing the idea that awareness and understanding often work better than force.
Wrapping up the discussion Akshay clarified that he wasn’t offering instructions but simply sharing a perspective. “Parents know their children best” he said adding that every family must decide what works for them.
Catch Akshay Kumar sharing his candid thoughts on screen addiction, parenting and modern lifestyle challenges on Wheel of Fortune airing Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.
