#digitaladdiction

ऑनलाइन गेम अब केवल मनोरंजन का साधन नहीं रह गए हैं, बल्कि वे बच्चों और किशोरों के मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए एक गंभीर चुनौती बनते जा रहे हैं। हाल ही में गाजियाबाद में ऑनलाइन गेम और कोरियन कल्चर के अत्यधिक प्रभाव से जुड़ी एक दर्दनाक घटना ने पूरे देश को सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया। यह घटना अकेली नहीं है, बल्कि उस डरावनी सच्चाई का हिस्सा है, जिसमें आभासी दुनिया बच्चों की वास्तविक जिंदगी पर हावी होती जा रही है।

बीते कुछ वर्षों में भारत के अलग-अलग राज्यों से ऐसे कई मामले सामने आए हैं, जहां ऑनलाइन गेमिंग, मोबाइल एडिक्शन और वर्चुअल रिश्तों ने बच्चों को गहरे मानसिक संकट में डाल दिया। कहीं ऑनलाइन गेम में पैसे हारने का डर, कहीं मोबाइल छीने जाने की नाराज़गी, तो कहीं वर्चुअल दोस्ती टूटने का तनाव—इन सबने बच्चों के व्यवहार और सोच को बुरी तरह प्रभावित किया है।

For more information :- https://vartahr.com/online-game-addiction/

I won’t lie being out today genuinely sickened me. Not because of the weather, not because of the noise, but because of how utterly detached people have become from reality. Everywhere I looked, heads were down, eyes glued to glowing screens, thumbs scrolling endlessly through nothing. It’s like walking through a trance the masses hypnotised by their devices, unaware of the world moving around them.

Situational awareness used to be a sign of intelligence, maturity, even basic self-preservation. You knew what was going on around you. You paid attention to people, to danger, to beauty, to life. Now? You could set off fireworks in the street, and half the crowd wouldn’t notice until someone filmed it for them to watch later.

What happened to us? When did it become normal to be absent from our own lives? Everyone claims to care about mindfulness and self-awareness, yet can’t walk five steps without checking a notification. This constant digital dependency is breeding generations of drones programmed to scroll, consume, obey, and forget.

In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, a 13-year-old boy from Tiruppur district died by suicide after reportedly being scolded for excessive mobile gaming. The case underscores the growing concerns around screen addiction among children and the urgent need for mental health awareness and digital discipline.

The Incident

The deceased, identified as Siddharth, was a Class 7 student from Ayyan Thottam, Alangiyam, near Dharapuram. He lived with his parents and a younger brother, aged 2.

According to police sources, Siddharth’s mother reportedly scolded him on Tuesday evening after noticing that he had been constantly playing games on his mobile phone after returning home from school. The reprimand left him visibly upset.

Later that evening, in a tragic decision, Siddharth allegedly consumed poison without informing anyone. It was only after his health began to deteriorate that he confessed to his parents about his suicide attempt. He was immediately rushed to the Dharapuram government hospital, but despite medical efforts, he passed away the same night.

The Alangiyam police have registered a case and are conducting further investigation.

A Wake-Up Call: The Dark Side of Digital Addiction

This deeply distressing incident is a grim reminder of how digital addiction, particularly among children, can have devastating consequences when not addressed with care and sensitivity.

While technology and mobile games are now a part of everyday life, unchecked and excessive screen time can lead to:

Mental fatigue

Decreased academic performance

Isolation from real-world social interaction

Emotional outbursts or breakdowns

In extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal tendencies

How Parents Can Help: A Balanced Approach to Technology

Open Communication Create a safe space where children feel heard without fear of punishment. Encourage them to talk about their interests, frustrations, and online activities.

Set Boundaries, Not Punishments Instead of scolding or abruptly banning mobile usage, set healthy screen-time limits and offer alternative activities such as reading, outdoor play, or creative hobbies.

Be Observant Look for changes in your child’s behavior—like withdrawal, irritability, or sudden mood swings. These could be signs of emotional distress.

Involve Professionals if Needed If your child shows signs of anxiety, depression, or addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help from a child psychologist or counselor.

It Takes a Village: Schools and Society Must Step In

Educational institutions can play a key role by incorporating digital wellness programs and mental health education in their curriculum.

Community awareness campaigns on screen addiction and mental health should be encouraged by local bodies and NGOs.

Final Thoughts

The tragic loss of young Siddharth is not just a family’s sorrow—it is a societal wake-up call. Let this moment spark meaningful conversations around parenting in the digital age, mental health awareness, and the need for compassion and understanding over discipline and punishment.

The energy was palpable from the moment we began. It was another incredible day at the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine’s (OCHM) Enriched Curriculum Series. This day was powerful. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Addiction? Digital trauma? The homeopathic approach to phone use? It sounded big, a little out there even. But by the end of the session, I realized it wasn’t out there at all. It…

Navigating the wilderness of technological overload often leaves me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected - a constant struggle to find balance & peace amidst the digital chaos. Let's journey together towards digital well-being. #DigitalDetox #Mindfulness