A perfect storm is ravaging the mental landscapes of children across the nation: addictive smartphones, suffocating academic expectations, and fractured home atmospheres. The fallout is alarming, with rising therapy demands and tragic headlines.
Recent studies paint a dire portrait. Over half of urban teens exhibit depression symptoms, per a Lancet report. Mobile dependency is the spark—endless reels and chats fragment attention and inflate insecurities.
‘It’s like handing them a casino in their pocket,’ quips tech psychologist Sonia Rao. Dopamine hits from likes and notifications rival drug effects, fostering addiction over ambition.
Academic frenzy intensifies the blaze. From kindergarten entrance tests to IIT dreams, the treadmill never stops. Sleep-starved and stressed, kids crack under the weight of parental aspirations.
Domestic unrest fans the flames. Divorce rates up, dual-income necessities mean less supervision, more loneliness. ‘Silent homes breed silent suffering,’ says counselor Vikram Singh.
Change demands boldness. Enforce ‘no-phone zones’ at home, integrate yoga in curricula, and destigmatize seeking help. Community drives for awareness and affordable counseling are gaining steam. By nurturing emotional intelligence alongside intellect, we empower tomorrow’s generation to thrive, not just survive.