Digital Addiction Crisis: Kerala's Youth in Peril

National Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-09-30 14:14:00 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-13 01:52:09

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In a chilling revelation, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has brought to light a disturbing trend of child suicides linked to the dark side of technology. The state has witnessed a staggering 41 minor suicides over four years, with a sharp incline of 24 cases between 2021 and May 2024. This surge in self-harm is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital realm, where innocent lives are ensnared in a web of mobile phone and internet abuse.

The issue extends beyond suicides, as Kerala's police have identified 30 minors who fell victim to sexual exploitation and drug abuse through online activities. This crisis has prompted the establishment of six digital de-addiction centres across the state, currently treating 275 children. These centres, a beacon of hope, have already assisted 1,189 minors struggling with behavioural issues related to online gaming, social media, and the deceptive world of fake shopping and pornography.

Kerala's government is taking proactive measures, planning to expand the support network with eight additional centres this fiscal year. Official records from March 2023 to July 2025 reveal that 1,992 children sought help at these Digital De-Addiction Centres (D-DAD), with Kollam, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur reporting the highest cases. The excessive use of online games and social platforms has emerged as a significant concern.

The situation is further complicated by the exploitation of digitally addicted minors for drug trafficking and criminal activities, lured by expensive gifts like mobile phones. As Kerala grapples with this crisis, experts advocate for parental vigilance and the cultivation of self-control in digital media usage. With cybercrime officials warning of increasing online threats, the state's efforts to combat this issue are more crucial than ever.

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