Mobile overuse can increase suicidal tendencies: Expert

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 16

The city has witnessed three suicide cases, including two students, in the last three days. Usually, suicides by students were reported during exams or after the results. However, a recent cases indicate a disturbing trend.

Experts opine that youngsters nowadays have been overexposed to mobile phones and gaming gadgets. As a result, kids turn anxious whenever their parents snatch these gadgets from them.

On November 14, Pritpal, alias Paras Malhotra (13 years), allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his residence near the Chandni Chowk, Salem Tabri.

Pritpal was a student of Class VIII at GMT School located near Jalandhar bypass. He committed suicide as his parents were discouraging him from the overuse of mobile phone.

Chetan (17), a Class X student, reportedly committed on November 13 by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his residence in Pavitar Nagar, Haibowal Kalan.

On the same day, Jai Singh (18), ended his life at Inder Vihar Colony, Jodhewal.

Dr Dipesh Batra, a city-based neurosurgeon said, “Suicide is the second most common cause of death among adults. Substance use, over exposure to social media, mobile phones or any kind of mental illness among youth can be common cause of suicide.”

He said, “Children by spending most of their valuable time on social media, generate thoughts of comparison and jealousy. It adds fuel to the fire in already built-up frustration due to parents and peer pressure.”

Dr Batra said, “Whatsoever is the cause of depression, the most pertinent message for parents is that any youngster who commits suicide gives warning signs before taking such a big step, including self-harm or inflicting self-injuries. So, parents should be extra cautious towards such children and professional help by a clinical psychologist should be taken.”