Tiruchi children increasingly addicted to smartphones

Mental health experts in Tiruchi are growing concerned about children who spend excessive time on smartphones. Many kids are reportedly using their devices for more than 14 hours a day. This pattern is leading to serious behavioral problems, including aggression and suicidal threats when their phones are taken away. Officials from the District Early Intervention Centre at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital note that they receive referrals for such issues at least once or twice a week. They see three to four cases of smartphone addiction daily at the Athma Mind Care Hospital. Experts highlight that smartphones are often used as a substitute for parental attention. Over time, children feel a strong need to use phones for pleasure. Factors like low IQ or undiagnosed learning disabilities may contribute to this addiction. In severe cases, kids may engage in risky behaviors, such as online gambling or drug procurement. While schools increasingly use online tools to stay connected, some parents feel trapped. One parent shared that mobile phones are necessary to keep up with school assignments but acknowledges the argument with her daughter over screen time. The struggle reflects a larger issue where both children and adults frequently use their phones. For those struggling with mental health issues, support is available through various helplines dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health care.