Impact of Online Gaming on Teen Mental Health: A shocking incident occurred late on February 3rd in the Tilamod area of ​​Ghaziabad, raising serious questions about the safety of children in today's digital age. Three sisters (16, 14, and 12 years old) jumped to their deaths from the ninth floor of the Bharat City Society after their father took away their mobile phones. A suicide note was recovered during the police investigation, indicating that the girls were influenced by Korean culture and online activities.

This incident has once again brought back terrifying memories of the 2016 'Blue Whale' game. It is being reported that the girls were caught in the clutches of digital attractions like a 'Korean love game'. This tragedy is not just a legal matter, but a warning about the mental health of teenagers, where addiction to the virtual world is dominating their lives.

After witnessing all this, several questions arise, such as: How can an online game become deadly for children? How can parents identify online game addiction in their children? What should be done first if the symptoms become dangerous? To find answers to these important questions, we spoke to Dr. Ashish Mittal, a psychiatrist at a private hospital in Gurgaon. Let's learn more about this in this article.

When do suicidal tendencies develop in teenagers?

According to Dr. Mittal, the brains of adolescents are not fully developed, so when they become addicted to games, the game becomes their reality. At this age, children identify with a virtual role model. Therefore, when they are prevented from playing the game, they experience a deep sense of emptiness and loss of identity.

In this situation, children become victims of 'delusions' – illusions that are beyond reality – and 'overvalued ideas', where their thoughts or the game's tasks seem more important than life itself. Due to a lack of reasoning ability, they are unable to cope with this mental pressure, which pushes them towards suicidal actions. In the case of the three girls who committed suicide in Ghaziabad, their father told a news agency that his daughters were so obsessed with this game and Korean culture that they valued it more than their own lives. This is a prime example of delusion and overvalued ideas in children.

How can parents identify dangerous signs of addiction?

Parents should monitor their child's digital activities. According to Dr. Mittal, if a child becomes violent, physically aggressive, or extremely angry when their phone is taken away, it could be a warning sign.

Violent behavior and anger: The child becomes excessively angry, irritable, and even physically aggressive towards parents when their phone is taken away or the game is stopped.

Deep depression and loneliness: The child becomes severely depressed when they don't have their mobile phone and loses interest in any activities or games around them.

Neglect of daily routine and eating habits: The child becomes so engrossed in the game that they neglect essential things like bathing on time, eating their favorite food, and personal hygiene.

Is it right to completely take away phones from children?

In today's world, it's not possible to completely take away mobile phones from children, as they also learn many good things from them, see and understand the world through them. However, 'digital safety' is very important. Therefore, doctors advise that children's screen time should be 'time-bound'.

Encourage children to engage in outdoor activities instead of online gaming. Educate children about the benefits of technology as well as its dark side, so that they develop an understanding of right and wrong.

What to do if a child is addicted to online gaming?

If you find out that your child has become addicted to a dangerous game, don't panic by suddenly taking away their mobile phone. Gradually work on correcting their routine and gain their trust through conversation. Slowly reduce their screen time. Dr. Mittal suggests that if a child is becoming excessively irritable or aggressive, one should consult a professional psychologist or psychiatrist without delay. Therapeutic counseling can help them overcome this emotional turmoil.

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