9. Social Health

Big idea: Health isn’t only about a strong body. It’s also the ability to build positive relationships, adapt to our social surroundings, manage stress wisely, and contribute to a safe, caring community.

Let’s Think

Elders’ advice: “Play outside, meet people, and limit screen-time.” In the age of TV, phones and internet, we easily become isolated. Social health reminds us to balance technology with real connections.

Try this — Observe your class

Group 1: Highly interactive
Group 2: Occasionally interactive
Group 3: Non-interactive

List friends for each group and note your group. What do you learn?

Observe & Discuss

How do the following relate to social health?

Food–Clothing–Shelter Education & Jobs Transport Financial status Residential area Water & Toilets Playgrounds & Gardens Social safety Political views Social environment

What is Social Health?

Definition: Social health is a person’s ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships and to adjust behaviour as society changes.

Key qualities of good social health

Strong, respectful personality; empathy and acceptance for others.
Healthy friend & family networks; trustworthiness.
Use of time: balanced solitude and peer time.
Adaptability to social change; responsible digital behaviour.

Factors Affecting Social Health

Support Systems

Basic needs met (food, clothing, shelter, healthcare).
Quality education; fair job opportunities.
Safe transport; social safety; clean surroundings.

Environment & Infrastructure

Water, sanitation, toilets.
Parks, gardens, playgrounds.
Positive social & political climate.

Personal & Cultural

Family structure & dynamics.
Gender equality and safety.
Digital habits & media exposure.

Factors Endangering Social Health

1) Mental Stress Competitive pressure • Loneliness

Competition in education, jobs, and business increases stress.
Nuclear families, working parents → less daily interaction for children.
Gender inequality (restrictions for girls, unequal chores) adds stress and lowers self-esteem.
Social disorder, crime, and violence encourage “easy money” thinking—harmful for society.

2) Addiction Tobacco • Alcohol • Drugs

Peer pressure and imitation of elders can start use of tobacco, gutkha, alcohol, and drugs.
Tobacco → risk of cancers (mouth, lungs); alcohol → brain & liver damage, accidents.
Illicit/poisonous liquor can be fatal; addiction weakens rational thinking and relationships.

3) Chronic Diseases & Social Response

Stigma against AIDS, TB, leprosy, mental illness, and the elderly isolates people, increases old-age homes, and harms social health. Compassion and inclusion are essential.

4) Communication Media & Overuse of Technology

Excessive screen-time causes isolation, poor sleep, headaches, eye strain, tinnitus, and joint pain.
Children’s bones absorb radiation more than adults’. Balance is crucial.
Overuse leads to self-centredness, weaker empathy, and reluctance to help others.
Risky trends: dangerous selfies (selfiecide), recording accidents instead of helping, sharing violent/suicidal clips.
Violent games & inappropriate content can negatively influence behaviour; the government bans children-inappropriate media.

Cyber Crimes & Safe Digital Behaviour

Common cyber offenses

Phishing (stealing PIN/Aadhaar/PAN/card details), fraudulent e-commerce.
Unauthorized online transactions; hacking confidential data.
Fake social media accounts; harassment, financial exploitation.
Piracy of books, photos, music, videos, software.
Abusive messages, vulgar images, inflammatory posts, malware links.

Stay safe

Never share PIN/OTP; shield keypad at ATMs; use strong passwords & 2-factor authentication.
Verify sellers; beware of too-good-to-be-true offers; don’t click unknown links.
Report cyber abuse; use official portals and helplines.

IT Act, 2000 (amended 2008): Cyber crimes can attract imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to ₹5 lakh. Maharashtra has a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit.

Stress Management

Talk & Express

Share with parents, teachers, friends, mentors.
Write a journal; name your feelings.
Join laughter clubs; enjoy positive company.

Hobbies

Reading, music, drawing, rangoli, dance.
Photography, collection, cooking, sculpting.
Gardening, bird-watching, caring for pets.

Music & Games

Listening/singing calms the mind and lifts mood.
Outdoor sports → fitness, teamwork, discipline, friends.

Yoga & Meditation

Not just asanas—it’s balanced diet, routine, breathing, and mindfulness.
Deep breathing, yogic sleep, and meditation improve focus and positivity.

Build a Strong Personality

Time management and planning.
Clear decision-making and problem-solving.
Replacing negative thoughts (e.g., revenge) with constructive actions.

When to Seek Help

If stress persists or you notice signs of depression or overwhelming anxiety, approach a counselor, psychologist, or trusted NGO. Early help works.

Positive Social Initiatives & Support

Initiative / Scheme	Focus	How it helps Social Health
Unified Movement against Tobacco (WHO, Tata Trust, etc.)	Reduce tobacco consumption	Education, cessation support, policy advocacy; lowers addiction burden.
Salaam Mumbai Foundation	School programs (urban & rural)	Health, lifestyle, sports, arts; tobacco-free districts; student empowerment.
Government helplines	Children in distress; counseling	Immediate assistance, guidance, and protection through verified numbers.

Always Remember

Nature is your friend: Walks, gardening, pets, and mindful outdoor time boost confidence and peace.
Use TV/phones/internet for learning and limited entertainment—don’t let them control your time or emotions.
Practice empathy, equality, and inclusion—these are the foundations of a healthy society.

Quick Revision — Chapter Highlights

Definition of Social Health Determinants & Infrastructure Mental Stress & Gender Equality Addiction Hazards Media & Technology Balance Cyber Safety & IT Act Stress Management Toolkit NGOs & Govt. Support

Chapter 9 — Social Health: Exercise Solutions

1) Fill in the blanks with appropriate word.

Laughter club is a remedy to drive away stress.
Alcohol consumption mainly affects the nervous system.
The act Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (amended 2008) is to curb the cyber crimes.

2) Answer the following.

a) Which factors affect the social health?

Meeting basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, healthcare.
Education & fair job opportunities; financial security; safe transport.
Clean water, sanitation, toilets; safe residential area; social safety.
Playgrounds, gardens, and positive social environment.
Family structure & support, gender equality, respectful social treatment.
Digital habits & media exposure; healthy communication and community participation.

b) Which changes occur in persons continuously using internet and mobile phones?

Isolation, reduced empathy, self-centred behaviour, poor real-life interactions.
Health issues: headaches, eye strain, insomnia, tinnitus, neck/joint pain, fatigue.
Risky digital behaviour (e.g., dangerous selfies), attention problems, screen addiction.

c) Which problems do the common man face due to incidences of cyber crime?

Phishing and financial frauds; unauthorized transactions; identity theft.
Hacking of email/social accounts; fake profiles; online harassment.
Piracy, malware attacks, delivery of inferior/defective goods via scam e-commerce.

d) Explain the importance of good communication with others.

Builds trust, empathy, and healthy relationships; reduces conflicts.
Helps share feelings, lowers stress, and enables timely help-seeking.
Strengthens teamwork, social support, and inclusion in community life.

3) Solve the following crossword — Answer list

(Write these words in your grid as per your textbook numbering.)

ADDICTION — Continuous consumption of alcoholic/tobacco materials.
BLUEWHALE — App/game linked with cyber harms.
MEDITATION — A remedy to resolve stress.
DISCIPLINE — Requirement for stress-free life.
SOCIAL — Various factors affect ____ health.
COOKING — Art of preparing food items.

5) Give three examples of each.

a) Hobbies to reduce stress

Any three of: music (listening/singing), gardening, reading, drawing/painting, photography, cooking, outdoor sports, bird-watching.

b) Diseases endangering the social health

Any three of: AIDS (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, depression/other mental illnesses.

c) Physical problems arising due to excessive use of mobile phones

Any three of: headache, eye-strain/vision problems, insomnia, tinnitus (ear ringing), neck/back/joint pain, fatigue.

d) Activities under the jurisdiction of cyber crime laws

Any three of: phishing/OTP-PIN theft, hacking, fake accounts & online harassment, piracy of digital content, malware/virus distribution, e-commerce fraud.

6) What will you do? Why?

Spending too much time on internet/mobile games:
- Set screen-time limits and app locks; follow a daily timetable with study, outdoor play, and family time.
- Replace late-night screen use with reading, music, or meditation for sleep hygiene.
- Why: To prevent addiction, protect health, and restore balance.
Neighbour’s child addicted to tobacco chewing:
- Speak kindly; inform guardians; suggest counseling/cessation clinics; share harms (cancer, oral lesions).
- Offer healthy alternatives (sports, hobbies); remove access to triggers.
- Why: Early intervention increases quitting success and protects health.
Sister is incommunicative, prefers to be alone:
- Reach out with empathy; listen without judgement; involve parents/teacher/counselor if needed.
- Encourage group activities, walks, music, and routine.
- Why: Support reduces isolation and addresses possible stress or depression.
Use free space around home for good purpose:
- Create a small garden/herb bed, set up a play corner, install compost pit for wet waste, or start a reading nook.
- Why: Green, active, and learning spaces improve social and environmental health.
Friend obsessed with selfies:
- Explain risks (accidents, “selfiecide”); insist on no-selfie zones (roads, water bodies, heights).
- Promote safe photography habits and mindful sharing.
- Why: Safety first; prevent harm from risky behaviour.
Brother in Std. XII has developed stress:
- Help make a realistic study plan with breaks; encourage sleep, nutrition, exercise/yoga, and short meditations.
- Seek teacher guidance/coaching; consider counseling if anxiety is high.
- Why: Structured routine and support improve performance and wellbeing.

7) A home with a chronically ill old person — changes & your help

Common changes

Caregiver fatigue; changed routines and sleep; increased expenses.
Reduced social outings; worry/stress among family members.
Need for home modifications (cleanliness, accessibility, ventilation).

How I will help

Share duties (medicines, appointments, exercise, meals); keep a simple care log.
Maintain hygiene and cheerful environment; play soft music; converse kindly.
Ensure fresh air, sunlight, safe movement (rails, non-slip mats).
Arrange community/NGO or nurse support if needed; use government schemes.
Balance attention between elder’s care and other family members to keep harmony.