Kids aren’t alright
Strap (Page 1): Trapped in always-on Bangalore, a disconnected generation is growing—and the fallout is deadlier than we admit
Strap (Page 7): City’s teens are burning out behind screens, while adults miss the warning signs. The experts weigh in
Byline: Bhuvana Shridhar
In the glittering tech capital where laptops outnumber bedrooms, Bangalore’s children are caught in an unforgiving digital vice—and the fallout is alarming.
The crisis has long simmered beneath the blue light, but 2025 has forced it into focus. In January, a 13-year-old took his life after being denied phone access. Weeks later, a 15-year-old girl in Kadugodi died by suicide after her mother tried to restrict screen time.
These aren’t isolated tragedies. They’re warning flares from a generation stretched to breaking point. Adolescents today are buckling under constant academic pressure, relentless online comparison, and the absence of true emotional support. Behind the meltdowns, scrolling marathons, and shutdowns are teens trapped in survival mode—misread as moody, mislabelled as lazy.
Parents, juggling their own chaos, hand over devices as pacifiers. Schools clamp down with bans, but often miss the root of the rot. What’s unfolding isn’t just a screen-time issue—it’s a systemic collapse of connection. Children aren’t being guided through the chaos; they’re being left alone in it.
Somewhere between Instagram reels, exam anxiety, and unread cries for help, childhood is being rewired into something brittle, anxious, and dangerously quiet.
Against this backdrop, Our Bangalore set out to find answers—and more importantly, to hear from the right voices on what it will take to pull this generation back from the brink. Here’s what we uncovered.
‘Teens trapped in always-on world’
Anya Reddy, PCI Certified Parent Coach
OB: What is your opinion of adolescent students in city schools today?
Anya: Today’s teens are growing up in a world that feels constantly switched on. Between relentless academic pressure, curated social media lives, and limited downtime, many adolescents feel overwhelmed.
OB: What are the problems & plights that school-going teens face these days?
Anya: What we’re seeing in therapy—whether it’s explosive anger, depressive shutdowns, procrastination, or compulsive scrolling—is not defiance or laziness; it’s a stress response. These behaviours are their way of saying, “I’m struggling to cope.”
OB: What do you think needs to be done to bring in changes?
Anya: Without judgment, if parents and schools focus on connection—helping teens feel safe enough to share their inner world—we see remarkable improvements in how they manage emotions and make healthier choices.
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‘Real trick is balancing freedom with protection’
Hemavathi Nagaraj, Parent of two
OB: What is your opinion about teenagers today?
Hemavathi: As a parent, it’s undeniable that teenagers today face a multitude of challenges that impact their well-being. Social media addiction, family dynamics, and academic pressure all take a toll on their mental and physical health.
OB: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a parent?
Hemavathi: For me, the biggest challenge has been balancing freedom with protection—especially from social media and peer pressure. Being an entrepreneur, it’s a constant juggle, but I’m grateful their school supports holistic education.
OB: What makes their school experience stand out?
Hemavathi: Both my children study at a school that prioritises academic excellence along with character building and personal growth. I deeply appreciate the principal and staff for creating a nurturing environment rooted in values and life skills.
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‘It’s not new, but needs nuance’
Mrunalini Desai, Principal of a reputed city school
OB: Are we seeing more behaviour issues from middle schoolers in class today?
Mrunalini: Yes, behavioural issues in middle school students exist—but that’s always been the case. Adolescence is a transitional phase. The key lies in balancing freedom with rules, and offering guidance through counselling—not just strictness.
OB: What are the best strategies to help students overcome procrastination?
Mrunalini: Procrastination often stems from fear of failure or poor time management. Schools must create a culture of discipline and encouragement—through goal-setting, peer mentorship, and recognition of small wins—so students feel empowered, not pressured.
OB: How can educators maintain a healthy teacher-student relationship in today’s digital age?
Mrunalini: The foundation of any good teacher-student relationship is empathy. When children feel seen and supported, they build trust. Being approachable—without compromising discipline—helps bridge the digital divide and foster respect.
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‘Scroll culture fuels delay’
Sini Sanjeev, educator
OB: Have you noticed links between social media & procrastination in your students?
Sini: Yes, there’s a definite link. Excessive social media use causes students to lose track of time, affecting their focus, deadlines, and overall academic performance.
OB: What advice would you give students facing these challenges?
Sini: My advice – practice digital discipline. Allocate fixed time slots for social media, and prioritise academics. Consistency, time management, and self-awareness are essential for building a strong academic base.