Priyanka Raina, wife of former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, has called on parents to put down their phones and be fully present when spending time with their children, warning that screen distraction at home sets a damaging example for the young. Her remarks came during Parineeti Chopra's show 'Mom Talks: Maa Ki Baat Maa Ke Jazbaat' on 26 October, where parenting in the age of social media took centre stage.

What Priyanka Raina Said

Responding to concerns about parents being absorbed in social media while their children go unattended, Priyanka said, 'I think safety is foremost important. There's nothing more important than that, and being present overall is very much important for parents in day-to-day life.'

She was unequivocal about phone use around children: 'If there is a safety concern, then it is unquestionable that you shouldn't use your phone when you're with your child because you're setting an example, and children learn from that. So I would say, please stay away. When you're with your child, leave your phone somewhere far away. Don't be on the screen. It's very important to be present.'

Suresh Raina on Parenting and Fatherhood

Suresh Raina revealed that Priyanka is extremely strict with their children when it comes to screen time, allowing very little of it at home. He also addressed whether conversations about fatherhood deserved equal attention alongside those about motherhood.

'Of course, there should be because I think father is the roof of the house, and I'm sure there are a lot of wives who give respect to the father, and their opinions matter a lot,' he said. 'I wish that all the parents have discussions with each other. Everyone's opinion matters a lot because I think the father is the pillar because his wife is standing with him. So when we talk about parents, the bonding between the two is very important.'

Why This Conversation Matters

The discussion arrives at a time when child health experts and educators in India are increasingly flagging the consequences of parental phone distraction — from reduced emotional responsiveness to children inadvertently mirroring screen dependency. Studies have linked low parental engagement during early childhood to developmental delays in language and social skills.

Notably, the platform — a celebrity-driven parenting talk show — gives the message broader reach, particularly to millennial parents who are themselves heavy social media users. The Rainas' candid exchange moves beyond celebrity anecdote to reflect a wider public health concern about the quality of family time in screen-saturated households.

Key Takeaways From the Conversation

Priyanka's core message was threefold: safety must always be the first priority, parents are their children's primary role models, and physical presence without digital distraction is non-negotiable. Suresh reinforced the point by highlighting that parenting is a shared responsibility, and that the emotional bond between both parents forms the foundation of a child's sense of security.

As awareness around digital wellness continues to grow, the Rainas' public stance is likely to resonate with parents navigating screen-time battles at home.