Shillong (Meghalaya), Sept 24: A heartbreaking incident in Thangshalai village, East Khasi Hills District, highlights the pressing issue of mobile phone obsession among youngsters.
A 10-year-old girl took her own life after her parents denied her phone access, urging her to prioritize studies.
In Meghalaya, 53.6% of children aged 10-17 own a mobile phone (National Family Health Survey, 2019-21), 71% of students in urban areas use mobile phones for non-educational purposes (Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights report, 2020 and 30% of Meghalaya’s youth experience mobile phone addiction (Regional Institute of Medical Sciences study, 2020)
This disturbing event underscores the challenges parents face in managing mobile phone usage among children. In the state and the problem is alarming.
Experts recommend balanced parenting approaches like setting clear boundaries and guidelines, encourage responsible phone usage and monitor and engage in open conversations.
