A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a teen mental health fund, ruling that Facebook and Instagram contributed to harming young users and created a public nuisance.

The court also directed Meta to implement stronger youth safety measures, including limits on teen usage, stricter controls on adult interactions with minors, notification restrictions, and safeguards against inappropriate AI chatbot interactions.

The landmark ruling could influence similar lawsuits across the United States, where dozens of states and more than 1,300 school districts are pursuing legal action against social media companies over alleged harm to children.

Meta Hit With $567 Million Penalty Over Teen Mental Health | Facebook & Instagram Under Fire

A disturbing online ecosystem is allegedly targeting vulnerable children across the world. The 764 network and similar groups are accused of using gaming platforms, social media and private online communities to manipulate, threaten and control young victims. This video pieces together the growing threat.  This report explores how this is part of a much wider problem. From the Blue Whale controversy to online grooming and extremist recruitment, how are predators exploiting the internet to reach children? And why these digital traps be so difficult for parents to detect?


Reports: Hidden online network is turning children into weapons

A child rights watchdog in Tamil Nadu has reportedly written to Chief Minister Vijay, urging the government to prohibit the political use of children in digital content and campaign-related material. The appeal highlights concerns about child welfare, consent, privacy and the potential impact of involving minors in political messaging online.


Tamil Nadu child rights watch writes to CM Vijay

Our parents grew up in a world without smartphones, tablets, or social media. However, we can hardly imagine our lives without them. In today’s world, digital devices have become a part of everyday life. From educational apps to games and entertainment, many children are increasingly using these devices. While technology can help support learning, creativity, and communication, health experts warn that prolonged exposure to screens can have harmful effects for children.The challenge has become even more distinct as dual-income households become increasingly common, where both parents are engaged in full-time professions. Many parents turn to phones and televisions to keep their young children occupied as they juggle multiple responsibilities. While the screens provide a breather for the parents, health professionals caution that excessive reliance on them may have unintended consequences for a child’s development.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989">The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</a><h2>What health experts say</h2>Speaking to WION, pediatricians highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive screen exposure during childhood.Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead &amp; HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said that during growing years, too much exposure to screens can hinder attention span, language learning, and sleep quality. It can also have an impact on social development and how kids manage their emotions.“Children learn better when they do real-world stuff, get in physical play, and have face-to-face conversations,” Dr Thyagarajan said.Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, highlighted that excess screen exposure can also lower physical activity and reduce in-person contact, which is essential for emotional and cognitive growth of children.“Little kids usually learn best by doing things in the real world, through play, and through direct human engagement, not just videos,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-impossible-balance-how-working-mothers-navigate-parenting-careers-and-family-life-1782210405382">The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life</a><h2>How much screen time is recommended for children?</h2>Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision.Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, explained, “Too much screen time stimulates the brain excessively and may harm a child’s development regarding attention span, language learning, and emotional control. In children younger than eighteen months, screen time should not exceed video chatting. However, between ages two and five years, good television programs should not exceed one hour daily.”“For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137">WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</a><h2>Are educational apps really beneficial?</h2>When asked whether applications that claim to be educational are helpful for young children, health experts stated that while they can support learning when used in moderation. However, they cautioned that not every app provides a learning experience.“Educational apps can be beneficial, if they are well designed, and kind of age-appropriate, and also used in moderation. They can support learning by boosting skills like reading, mathematics, problem-solving, and even creativity with interactive activities,” Dr Shetty said.He added, “But not every educational app really gives a solid learning experience. Some lean a lot on entertainment features, rewards, and repetitive tasks, which can make kids feel like they are being productive, yet still not really build deep understanding or critical thinking.”Dr Thyagarajan highlighted that children learn best when getting hands-on exploration, playful imagination, story time, storytelling, plus actual conversation and social interaction.“So, technology should be more like a complement to learning, not a stand-in for real human engagement, or for the everyday experiences outside the screen,” she said.

As digital devices become an integral part of childhood, parents are increasingly grappling with questions about screen time, technology use and healthy habits. Here's what experts say.

Our parents grew up in a world without smartphones, tablets, or social media. However, we can hardly imagine our lives without them. In today’s world, digital devices have become a part of everyday life. From educational apps to games and entertainment, many children are increasingly using these devices. While technology can help support learning, creativity, and communication, health experts warn that prolonged exposure to screens can have harmful effects for children. The challenge has become even more distinct as dual-income households become increasingly common, where both parents are engaged in full-time professions. Many parents turn to phones and televisions to keep their young children occupied as they juggle multiple responsibilities. While the screens provide a breather for the parents, health professionals caution that excessive reliance on them may have unintended consequences for a child’s development. Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain What health experts say Speaking to WION, pediatricians highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive screen exposure during childhood. Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said that during growing years, too much exposure to screens can hinder attention span, language learning, and sleep quality. It can also have an impact on social development and how kids manage their emotions. “Children learn better when they do real-world stuff, get in physical play, and have face-to-face conversations,” Dr Thyagarajan said. Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, highlighted that excess screen exposure can also lower physical activity and reduce in-person contact, which is essential for emotional and cognitive growth of children. “Little kids usually learn best by doing things in the real world, through play, and through direct human engagement, not just videos,” he said. Also read | The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life How much screen time is recommended for children? Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision. Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, explained, “Too much screen time stimulates the brain excessively and may harm a child’s development regarding attention span, language learning, and emotional control. In children younger than eighteen months, screen time should not exceed video chatting. However, between ages two and five years, good television programs should not exceed one hour daily.” “For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says Are educational apps really beneficial? When asked whether applications that claim to be educational are helpful for young children, health experts stated that while they can support learning when used in moderation. However, they cautioned that not every app provides a learning experience. “Educational apps can be beneficial, if they are well designed, and kind of age-appropriate, and also used in moderation. They can support learning by boosting skills like reading, mathematics, problem-solving, and even creativity with interactive activities,” Dr Shetty said. He added, “But not every educational app really gives a solid learning experience. Some lean a lot on entertainment features, rewards, and repetitive tasks, which can make kids feel like they are being productive, yet still not really build deep understanding or critical thinking.” Dr Thyagarajan highlighted that children learn best when getting hands-on exploration, playful imagination, story time, storytelling, plus actual conversation and social interaction. “So, technology should be more like a complement to learning, not a stand-in for real human engagement, or for the everyday experiences outside the screen,” she said.

As digital devices become an integral part of childhood, parents are increasingly grappling with questions about screen time, technology use and healthy habits. Here's what experts say.

How much screen time is too much for children? Experts reveal how digital devices affect young minds

A new study commissioned by the UK’s 1001 Critical Days Foundation has raised concerns over the growing use of screens among babies and young children. Researchers warn that a silent shift in childhood development may already be underway, with nearly two-thirds of children regularly exposed to screens. Experts say excessive screen time during early years could affect attention, sleep, communication, and emotional development if left unchecked.


New Study Warns Excessive Screen Use May Be Reshaping Early Childhood 

The shocking case surrounding the suicide of three minor sisters in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad has shaken the entire nation, with concerns raised about the online safety of minors and the popularity of Korean culture. On Tuesday (Feb 4), three girls, aged 16, 14 and 12, tragically died after jumping off the ninth floor of their residential building. The incident has opened broader debates after their obsession with Korean culture and online task-based game came to light.The diary left behind by them revealed disturbing details. They described their love for Korean culture and how much it mattered to them, adding that it was a huge part of their lives and they felt a strong emotional connection to the actors and music they followed.<h2>How do addictions build up in children?</h2>However, these addictions don’t build up overnight. Ananya Murkute, Counselling Psychologist at Cankids KidScan, explained how children can fall into a trap of any addiction. “Nowadays, most families are nuclear, where both parents are working and busy with their hectic schedules. In such scenarios, many parents are unable to spend quality time with their children. Because of this, children may end up feeling lonely,” she said.Murkute further explained, “To combat this loneliness, they fall into habits like playing games online, talking to strangers online, etc. These habits give their brains temporary dopamine (A chemical that makes humans feel happy). This vicious cycle of feeling lonely and then looking for temporary dopamine is how children fall into the trap of any addiction.”<h2>Are task-based games riskier?</h2>She highlighted how task-based games like the Korean Love Game, which the Ghaziabad sisters played, can be riskier than other games. She noted that these games do not differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tasks and can push children to complete the task to feel self-satisfied.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-death-would-be-better-ghaziabad-sisters-suicide-note-reveals-korean-obsession-beatings-1770274730080">‘Death would be better...’: Ghaziabad sisters’ suicide note reveals Korean obsession, beatings</a>“The human brain is actually designed to feel self-satisfied and fulfilled. These task-based games make children feel fulfilled when they complete a certain task,” she said. “These task-based games are dangerous because they do not differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tasks. As a result, our children, too, without thinking twice, just try to complete the task for that feeling of self-satisfaction.”<h2>How to identify patterns of online gaming addiction in children?</h2>While in many cases, like the recent case involving the three sisters, these addictions creep up quietly, there are certain signs that can help in identifying patterns of such dangerous addictions in children.According to Murkute that early signs may involve children playing games on mobile the whole day, and they are not able to function if they are not given access to mobiles. Another possible indicator may be that their self-esteem dips if they do not win in these games. Children prefer playing games instead of talking to people, and family in real life can also be an early warning sign.<h2>What can parents do?</h2>Murkute suggested what parents can do to prevent their children from falling into dangerous addictions. “Try to take out some time every day for your kids and let them know you are there for them. ⁠Do not create fear in them about parents. Instead, try to be friendly with them and let them know that they can share anything with you. Be emotionally present for them,” she said.“⁠Try to set a boundary around their screen time and have healthy discussions with them about why mobiles are not good for them. Try to channelise their energies into some hobby classes,” she added.

A tragic incident involving minors has reignited concerns over children’s online safety, gaming addiction and emotional isolation, highlighting the need for parental involvement, awareness and healthier digital boundaries.

The shocking case surrounding the suicide of three minor sisters in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad has shaken the entire nation, with concerns raised about the online safety of minors and the popularity of Korean culture. On Tuesday (Feb 4), three girls, aged 16, 14 and 12, tragically died after jumping off the ninth floor of their residential building. The incident has opened broader debates after their obsession with Korean culture and online task-based game came to light. The diary left behind by them revealed disturbing details. They described their love for Korean culture and how much it mattered to them, adding that it was a huge part of their lives and they felt a strong emotional connection to the actors and music they followed. How do addictions build up in children? However, these addictions don’t build up overnight. Ananya Murkute, Counselling Psychologist at Cankids KidScan, explained how children can fall into a trap of any addiction. “Nowadays, most families are nuclear, where both parents are working and busy with their hectic schedules. In such scenarios, many parents are unable to spend quality time with their children. Because of this, children may end up feeling lonely,” she said. Murkute further explained, “To combat this loneliness, they fall into habits like playing games online, talking to strangers online, etc. These habits give their brains temporary dopamine (A chemical that makes humans feel happy). This vicious cycle of feeling lonely and then looking for temporary dopamine is how children fall into the trap of any addiction.” Are task-based games riskier? She highlighted how task-based games like the Korean Love Game, which the Ghaziabad sisters played, can be riskier than other games. She noted that these games do not differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tasks and can push children to complete the task to feel self-satisfied. Also read | ‘Death would be better...’: Ghaziabad sisters’ suicide note reveals Korean obsession, beatings “The human brain is actually designed to feel self-satisfied and fulfilled. These task-based games make children feel fulfilled when they complete a certain task,” she said. “These task-based games are dangerous because they do not differentiate between healthy and unhealthy tasks. As a result, our children, too, without thinking twice, just try to complete the task for that feeling of self-satisfaction.” How to identify patterns of online gaming addiction in children? While in many cases, like the recent case involving the three sisters, these addictions creep up quietly, there are certain signs that can help in identifying patterns of such dangerous addictions in children. According to Murkute that early signs may involve children playing games on mobile the whole day, and they are not able to function if they are not given access to mobiles. Another possible indicator may be that their self-esteem dips if they do not win in these games. Children prefer playing games instead of talking to people, and family in real life can also be an early warning sign. What can parents do? Murkute suggested what parents can do to prevent their children from falling into dangerous addictions. “Try to take out some time every day for your kids and let them know you are there for them. ⁠Do not create fear in them about parents. Instead, try to be friendly with them and let them know that they can share anything with you. Be emotionally present for them,” she said. “⁠Try to set a boundary around their screen time and have healthy discussions with them about why mobiles are not good for them. Try to channelise their energies into some hobby classes,” she added.

A tragic incident involving minors has reignited concerns over children’s online safety, gaming addiction and emotional isolation, highlighting the need for parental involvement, awareness and healthier digital boundaries.

When online games turn deadly: What Ghaziabad sisters’ tragedy tells us about dark side of online gaming addiction

Doctors and child health experts are warning that excessive screen use is increasingly affecting children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. Medical professionals say prolonged exposure to phones, tablets and gaming screens may lead to attention problems, sleep disruption, reduced social skills and long-term developmental harm.


Doctors Warn Excessive Screen Time Is Harming Children’s Development | WION 

Doctors warn that excessive screen time is fundamentally altering childhood development, with children increasingly addicted to digital devices while parents grow alarmed over behavioral and cognitive impacts. Studies show kids averaging 2-4+ hours daily-double WHO limits-leading to hyperactivity, sleep disruption, language delays, and social withdrawal.


UK Doctors: Effects of Child Phone Use Public Health Emergency

YouTube has strengthened parental controls for Shorts, allowing parents to set daily time limits on their children’s viewing. The move comes as tech platforms face growing pressure to improve online safety for younger users.


YouTube expands parental controls with time limits on shorts 

Israel will ban children from using mobile phones in primary schools from February, the education ministry's website said Friday, emphasizing the devices' "negative effects" on students.


Israel says move will reduce external distractions for children

A recent study reveals that excessive gaming among children can negatively impact their growth and development. Experts warn that prolonged screen time may affect physical health, sleep patterns, and mental well-being, urging parents to monitor gaming habits and encourage balanced routines that include physical activity and social interaction.


Excessive Gaming Hurts Child Growth: Study

When it’s time for a child’s first phone, should parents worried about smartphones opt for ‘dumb’ phones, basic mobiles, or use monitoring apps? Experts offer advice on how to navigate introducing technology safely.

Is Social Media Stealing Your Kids Attention? 

Child obesity has become increasingly common in parts of the world where undernutrition was once more prevalent.


UN report reveals child obesity tripled between 2000 & 2025 |

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened a sweeping investigation into AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Meta’s bots demanding documents and warning of risks to children’s mental health. Backed by the White House, this could be the first step towards full-scale regulation of artificial intelligence. Watch how Silicon Valley prepares for its toughest battle yet.

Are AI chatbots like ChatGPT safe for kids? 

The United States has donated $32.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to help deliver urgent food and nutrition assistance to vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
The aid focuses on internally displaced persons in the North-East and North-West, where conflict has caused widespread hunger.

US gives $32.5m to WFP for food aid in Nigeria | Support for women & children in crisis zones

In southern Russia, dozens of schoolchildren participated in a military-style “route march” along the River Don, under the supervision of war veterans and military instructors. Dressed in camouflage, the children — some as young as 8,  crawled through sand, carried weapons, and practiced throwing grenades in what organizers say is patriotic training.


Russia training kids in combat: Patriotism or propaganda? | Drills spark debates

A pregnant woman in the United States, says she saw "Hand Of God" in her baby's ultrasound. After she went for her 32-week scan, something strange showed up in the picture. Amanda Foster thinks that God was protecting her unborn son, who developed a heart condition early in the pregnancy.&nbsp;Foster shared her experience in a Facebook post, stating that ever since he was diagnosed with the problem, she has prayed for God to protect him, and says a prayer before every ultrasound in the doctor's room.&nbsp;The 33-year-old is eight months pregnant and says during her latest appointment, she saw God's hand caressing her unborn child. Her husband thinks it is God protecting their son following the heart diagnosis. She said that her younger daughter was the first to notice it and asked, "Whose hand is that?" Then her husband also saw it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prophecy-for-humans-from-ghost-baba-vanga-japan-operation-sindoor-1748429160925">Another dire prophecy for humans, this time from a GHOST. '...or Earth will die'</a>&nbsp;Foster wrote in the post that the wall that separates parts of the heart near the aorta had some kind of defect. The latter is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the body, and the condition can prove life-threatening.&nbsp;So the couple says they started praying regularly. Later, when they checked with another doctor, the condition had disappeared.&nbsp;"We prayed and prayed along with several others. When we followed up with a specialist, it was gone," Foster wrote. She says now she "prays before every appointment."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-video-of-women-google-veo-3-1748497674146">'It's over for humanity': 'Creepy' video of two women is hiding something sinister</a>&nbsp;The photo clearly shows something that looks like a hand on the baby's head, caressing the cheek. It has gone viral on the internet, but not everyone is convinced that there is some miracle going on.&nbsp;Several of them think that it is merely the baby's hand, which simply looks distorted and big in the ultrasound.&nbsp;<h2>Foster had lost a son to Potter's syndrome in her first pregnancy</h2>&nbsp;Foster also revealed how she had become disillusioned with God after losing her first child, a baby boy at 18 weeks to Potter's syndrome. She said she developed a deep resentment towards God after this incident. Doctors told her she might never have a healthy baby boy since Potter's syndrome might afflict other male foetuses she might bear.&nbsp;The mother had two daughters later on. However, she says that after she returned to praying to God in 2021, she became pregnant again and welcomed a healthy baby boy in 2022. So when she saw the "Hand of God" in the ultrasound, she believed it was God protecting her son, who had developed health issues.&nbsp;

A woman in the US thinks she saw Gods hand protecting her unborn son in an ultrasound photo. She shared that her baby had developed a heart condition, and she had been praying a lot to save him.

A pregnant woman in the United States, says she saw "Hand Of God" in her baby's ultrasound. After she went for her 32-week scan, something strange showed up in the picture. Amanda Foster thinks that God was protecting her unborn son, who developed a heart condition early in the pregnancy. Foster shared her experience in a Facebook post, stating that ever since he was diagnosed with the problem, she has prayed for God to protect him, and says a prayer before every ultrasound in the doctor's room. The 33-year-old is eight months pregnant and says during her latest appointment, she saw God's hand caressing her unborn child. Her husband thinks it is God protecting their son following the heart diagnosis. She said that her younger daughter was the first to notice it and asked, "Whose hand is that?" Then her husband also saw it. Also Read: Another dire prophecy for humans, this time from a GHOST. '...or Earth will die' Foster wrote in the post that the wall that separates parts of the heart near the aorta had some kind of defect. The latter is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the body, and the condition can prove life-threatening. So the couple says they started praying regularly. Later, when they checked with another doctor, the condition had disappeared. "We prayed and prayed along with several others. When we followed up with a specialist, it was gone," Foster wrote. She says now she "prays before every appointment." Also Read: 'It's over for humanity': 'Creepy' video of two women is hiding something sinister The photo clearly shows something that looks like a hand on the baby's head, caressing the cheek. It has gone viral on the internet, but not everyone is convinced that there is some miracle going on. Several of them think that it is merely the baby's hand, which simply looks distorted and big in the ultrasound. Foster had lost a son to Potter's syndrome in her first pregnancy Foster also revealed how she had become disillusioned with God after losing her first child, a baby boy at 18 weeks to Potter's syndrome. She said she developed a deep resentment towards God after this incident. Doctors told her she might never have a healthy baby boy since Potter's syndrome might afflict other male foetuses she might bear. The mother had two daughters later on. However, she says that after she returned to praying to God in 2021, she became pregnant again and welcomed a healthy baby boy in 2022. So when she saw the "Hand of God" in the ultrasound, she believed it was God protecting her son, who had developed health issues.

A woman in the US thinks she saw God's hand protecting her unborn son in an ultrasound photo. She shared that her baby had developed a heart condition, and she had been praying a lot to save him.

Mother says she saw God protecting her unborn baby with heart condition in ultrasound

#GRAVITAS | According to an online safety watchdog, images of child sexual abuse created by AI are becoming significantly more realistic. On the other hand, Florida has sued Snap--the owner of photo-sharing app Snapchat for allegedly addicting children and deceiving parents. Watch this video to find out more.

How AI & advanced tech fuel a new wave of child exploitation

You might think the safest place for a child is its cozy little bed well it turns out that bed might be doing more than just helping them sleep well our next story might keep parents up at night but don't worry we've got solutions too. Watch in for more details!

Study reveals mattress may emit harmful chemicals while children sleep

A global report has raised serious alarms about the rise in drug-resistant infections, revealing that antibiotic resistance may have caused over 3 million child deaths. The overuse of last-resort antibiotics and post-COVID disruptions are fueling the crisis, especially in Africa and Asia. Experts call for urgent international action to combat the growing threat of superbugs.

Global health alert: Antibiotic resistance linked to millions of child deaths

7 Essential Life Lessons Parents Should Teach Their Child Before Age 13

A Lesson of Kindness & Honesty

Time and Money Management

Not to Fear Failure

Lesson of Respect

Basic Cooking and Laundry Skills

Value of Hard and Discipline

Self-care is an Important Lesson

Life Fun: Discover the essential life lessons every parent should teach their child before age 13, including kindness, honesty, and respect for a well-rounded upbringing.

HMD has launched the Fusion X1, a kid-friendly smartphone unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2025. Designed with parental controls, it allows parents to set app limits, schedule screen time, and track their child’s location every 20 seconds. The device is available through a subscription model, making safety more accessible for families.

HMD unveils Fusion X1, a kid-friendly smartphone with parental controls

There are 26 million children out of school in Pakistan according to a government report. And most of them are from rural areas from low-income families. The report shows up big gaps in education between the rich and poor, termed education apartheid. The Pakistani government has promised corrective measures, even as other exigencies beckon. A closer look on Inside South Asia.

Pakistan: 26 million children out of school

Saudi Arabia
Kenyan single mothers in Saudi Arabia have been "trapped" in the country after being denied visas and birth certificates for their children in order to leave and return to their homeland. 
Guardian spoke to five Kenyan women who explained their misery, saying that they have been unable to register the birth of their children as they were born outside marriage. 
They said that they all fled abusive employers who then kept their identity documents. 
The women complained that they have been trying to leave the country as their children are unable to get enrolled in schools in Saudi Arabia without the documents. They added that they have also been told that exit visas cannot be processed because they have "stateless" children. 
In Saudi Arabia, having sex outside marriage is a crime as per the Islamic laws. However, the human rights groups said that women are disproportionately charged for this since resulting pregnancies are considered evidence. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-chief-visits-iran-for-rare-high-level-defence-talks-775058">Also read: Saudi military chief visits Iran for rare high-level defence talks</a>
Moreover, survivors of rape or sex trafficking can be deemed to have confessed to extramarital sex and prosecuted.
Children born outside the marriage in Saudi Arabia are not entitled to birth certificates. Additionally, their undocumented status means that they cannot access basic rights and services, including medical care and education, and are also not allowed to travel outside the Kingdom. 
These five women interviewed by Guardian shared that they had pregnancies during relationships with fellow migrant workers. 
Hence, all these women became single mothers, meanwhile, some said that they were abandoned by their child's fathers because they feared getting arrested for having extramarital sex. 
Watch | Saudi Arabia welcomes deal between Yemeni government, Houthis
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Fatima, a migrant from Kenya who came to Saudi Arabia to be a domestic worker, said staff at her nearest hospital in the Saudi capital Riyadh threatened to call the police when she rushed there with labour pains, the Guardian reported. 
“They said they would send me to jail if I didn’t bring [the necessary] documents. I was so afraid to go to jail with labour pains. I pretended like I was strolling around the hospital. Then, I just walked out of the gate and went back to my house," she said. 
Fatima entered her accommodation in Riyadh, and gave birth to a son just five minutes after that. "I cut the umbilical cord and cleaned myself. I cleaned my baby and wrapped him in a blanket. It was scary, but I just had to do it. There was nobody else to help me.”
She added that she ran away from her employer's home because he was sexually assaulting her and was physically abusive. Moreover, the employer also seized her passport. 
Moreover, she said that she has been trying to leave Saudi Arabia for the past two years because her son, who has now turned eight, has been unable to go to school. 
“The authorities here are not too concerned about the babies and their mothers,” Fatima said. 
Earlier in April, Fatima also staged a public protest in the Manfuhah neighbourhood in Riyadh, along with a group of other migrant mothers. However, protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by imprisonment. 
“We want our kids to go to school. They’re missing a lot in their early childhood education. It’s very important, and our babies are missing that opportunity.”
Meanwhile, migrant rights experts have estimated that the number of cases of stateless children born outside marriage in Gulf countries is in thousands, adding that every child has a right to identity and protection, regardless of how and when they were born. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Guardian spoke to five Kenyan women who explained their misery, saying that they have been unable to register the birth of their children as they were born outside marriage. 



Saudi Arabia Kenyan single mothers in Saudi Arabia have been "trapped" in the country after being denied visas and birth certificates for their children in order to leave and return to their homeland. Guardian spoke to five Kenyan women who explained their misery, saying that they have been unable to register the birth of their children as they were born outside marriage. They said that they all fled abusive employers who then kept their identity documents. The women complained that they have been trying to leave the country as their children are unable to get enrolled in schools in Saudi Arabia without the documents. They added that they have also been told that exit visas cannot be processed because they have "stateless" children. In Saudi Arabia, having sex outside marriage is a crime as per the Islamic laws. However, the human rights groups said that women are disproportionately charged for this since resulting pregnancies are considered evidence. Also read: Saudi military chief visits Iran for rare high-level defence talks Moreover, survivors of rape or sex trafficking can be deemed to have confessed to extramarital sex and prosecuted. Children born outside the marriage in Saudi Arabia are not entitled to birth certificates. Additionally, their undocumented status means that they cannot access basic rights and services, including medical care and education, and are also not allowed to travel outside the Kingdom. These five women interviewed by Guardian shared that they had pregnancies during relationships with fellow migrant workers. Hence, all these women became single mothers, meanwhile, some said that they were abandoned by their child's fathers because they feared getting arrested for having extramarital sex. Watch | Saudi Arabia welcomes deal between Yemeni government, Houthis × Fatima, a migrant from Kenya who came to Saudi Arabia to be a domestic worker, said staff at her nearest hospital in the Saudi capital Riyadh threatened to call the police when she rushed there with labour pains, the Guardian reported. “They said they would send me to jail if I didn’t bring [the necessary] documents. I was so afraid to go to jail with labour pains. I pretended like I was strolling around the hospital. Then, I just walked out of the gate and went back to my house," she said. Fatima entered her accommodation in Riyadh, and gave birth to a son just five minutes after that. "I cut the umbilical cord and cleaned myself. I cleaned my baby and wrapped him in a blanket. It was scary, but I just had to do it. There was nobody else to help me.” She added that she ran away from her employer's home because he was sexually assaulting her and was physically abusive. Moreover, the employer also seized her passport. Moreover, she said that she has been trying to leave Saudi Arabia for the past two years because her son, who has now turned eight, has been unable to go to school. “The authorities here are not too concerned about the babies and their mothers,” Fatima said. Earlier in April, Fatima also staged a public protest in the Manfuhah neighbourhood in Riyadh, along with a group of other migrant mothers. However, protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by imprisonment. “We want our kids to go to school. They’re missing a lot in their early childhood education. It’s very important, and our babies are missing that opportunity.” Meanwhile, migrant rights experts have estimated that the number of cases of stateless children born outside marriage in Gulf countries is in thousands, adding that every child has a right to identity and protection, regardless of how and when they were born. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenyan single mothers 'trapped' in Saudi Arabia as visas are denied to 'stateless' children

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