Experts say that giving children mobile phones isn't entirely wrong, but supervision is crucial. Parents should talk openly with their children and monitor their screen time.

online games and suicide

Tragic news from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has shocked the entire nation. Three minor sisters committed suicide by jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment. Initial investigation revealed that the three sisters were addicted to a task-based online Korean love game. This incident is not just a family tragedy but a serious warning about the mental safety of children in the digital age.

Three sisters, aged around 12, 14, and 16, living in Sahibabad's Bharat City Society, had been engrossed in mobile gaming for a long time. It was reported that they neither attended school nor socialized outside. They had even adopted Korean names and begun to follow Korean culture. According to the family, when their father objected to their gaming habits and confiscated their mobile phones, they fell under intense psychological stress. Consequently, they jumped from their flat's balcony and took their own lives. A suicide note was also found at the scene, which read, "Sorry, Mom and Dad... I can't quit playing." So, let's explain whether a child playing online games might be harboring suicidal thoughts and what signs should alert you. 

What is the Korean Love Game?

According to experts, the Korean Love Game is an online game in which an unknown person contacts the user through social media. They introduce themselves as Korean and talk about friendship and love. After gaining trust, they begin assigning small tasks. While the tasks are initially easy, they gradually become more difficult and mentally stressful. If the user refuses to complete the task, they are threatened and intimidated. This type of game contains approximately 50 tasks, which last for several days. 

How do online games affect children's minds?

Experts say that children's and adolescents' brains are not fully developed. Therefore, they begin to perceive the game's characters and challenges as the real world. The pressure to complete tasks, fear, and the fear of failure weaken their decision-making abilities. Furthermore, according to American psychologist Jean M. Twenge's book, iGen, online gaming and social media addiction have led to a sharp increase in cases of depression and suicide among young people since 2011.

If you see any signs, be alert. 

If your child constantly thinks about their mobile phone or games, shows anger or irritability when you stop playing, distances themselves from family and friends, disrupts their sleep and daily routine, loses interest in studies, and repeatedly experiences sadness, fear, or emptiness, these could be signs of online gaming addiction. According to experts, if four or five of these signs persist, parents should immediately be alert. 

What should parents do?

Experts say that giving children mobile phones isn't entirely wrong, but supervision is crucial. Parents should communicate openly with their children, monitor their screen time, and use parental controls on their smartphones. Parental controls can help limit children's games, apps, and online content, helping them avoid dangerous games and challenges.