‘Digital addiction behind rising cases of teen suicide’

Lucknow: A Class 9 student of a private school allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Jankipuram on Dec 16.According to family members, the boy had scored low marks in a recent test, following which he was advised to reduce mobile phone usage. His parents also temporarily stopped giving him a mobile phone, which they believe may have upset him.
His father told police that the teenager had dinner with the family on Monday night and then went upstairs to sleep in his room as usual. On Tuesday morning, he was found hanging inside the same room. Unfortunately, it is not an isolated case. In Aug last year, a 16-year-old girl also died by suicide after being scolded for watching a mobile video. In Jan 2025, a Class 8 boy ended his life after being denied money for a New Year party. A girl pursuing law died by suicide after an argument in Jan while a 19-year-old died by suicide after becoming addicted to online gaming and withdrawing from family and friends in Feb last year. All such cases reflect a disturbing trend and are emblematic of a new pattern of teenage suicides over seemingly minor issues. Experts insist these are signs of a deepening emotional crisis among teenagers. "Earlier, people used to commit suicide over issues like failure in love or academics, but now teenagers are taking their own lives over petty issues," said experts while warning that digital addiction, social isolation, and an inability to handle rejection are creating dangerously fragile mindsets. Head of the psychiatry department at KGMU, Vivek Agarwal, said, "Suicide among children often stems from deep-rooted depression and emotional isolation. Many parents remain unaware of their child's inner struggles because there is little meaningful communication at home. In the absence of someone to truly listen, children turn to social media to express their feelings. Quality family time, open conversations, and healthy boundaries are essential to building resilience." Psychologist Pallavi Bhatnagar said, "The bond between parents and children is weakening. Teens today are impulsive and often feel misunderstood. There's a desperate need for attention, an urge to show off, and no space left for quiet listening. The shift to nuclear families, excessive mobile use, and lack of outdoor interactions have created emotional distance. Without clear boundaries, children struggle to accept disappointment." Senior psychiatrist at a prominent city hospital, Umar Mushir, said, "Warning signs include social withdrawal, academic decline, and choosing the virtual world over real interactions. Structured routines, limited screen time, and active parental engagement can lower the risk. Schools must also help through regular mental health checks, counseling, and parent-teacher collaboration." Experts agree that prevention begins at home. Investing time in children, not just academically but emotionally, holds the key. "Beyond preventing suicide, the larger goal is restoring human connection in an age where, ironically, everyone talks but no one listens. It is only by nurturing emotional literacy that parents can help their children cope with life's inevitable pains and setbacks," added Pallavi Bhatnagar.