Systemic Failure Blamed in Teen Triple Suicide

The recent suicides of three girls, aged 11, 14, and 16, have prompted experts to caution against attributing the tragedy solely to digital content or K-dramas. Psychiatrists and child psychologists point to a broader systemic failure, highlighting that the children's absence from school for nearly five years indicates prolonged isolation and complex family issues impacting mental health. These experts emphasize that blaming external factors like screen time oversimplifies the problem, as such behaviours often stem from unmet emotional needs.

Child advocates stress that the prolonged disengagement from education signifies a critical gap in institutional support, including schools, communities, and the state. They assert that systems have a responsibility to identify children in distress and intervene early. The psychological community also notes a bidirectional link between mental health conditions and digital addiction, where stress and anxiety can lead to excessive gaming, which in turn exacerbates these conditions. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Experts further clarify that excessive screen use is frequently a symptom of underlying issues like loneliness, boredom, or conditions such as ADHD, making children more vulnerable. The immediate gratification offered by digital content appeals to developing brains, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control. Concerns are growing due to a noted rise in paediatric cases linked to problematic screen use, with recommendations for gradual withdrawal from digital devices to manage potential severe symptoms.