A heartbreaking incident in Bengaluru has drawn fresh attention to the dangers of unmonitored digital content. A Class 7 student died by suicide on the night of August 3 in the CK Acchukattu area. Police are now investigating whether his death may be linked to the dark-themed Japanese anime Death Note, which the boy was reportedly fond of.
During an initial inspection, authorities discovered a drawing of a character from the anime in his room. His mobile phone has been seized and sent for forensic analysis to examine his recent online activity. Investigators are also in touch with the family and school staff to gather more information. His parents said he appeared mentally stable and had no known problems at home or school.
Death Note, a popular anime series, centers around a high school student who uses a mystical notebook to kill individuals by writing their names. The show deals with complex themes like power, morality, and justice, which may be difficult for young viewers to process without guidance.
In a related case, a 10-year-old boy in Delhi’s Ambika Vihar Colony was found dead in his home on the same day. Police say he was heavily addicted to mobile games, spending nearly 11 hours on the phone—seven on gaming and four on YouTube—before the tragic event.
Both incidents have raised urgent questions about children’s exposure to digital media, especially violent or psychologically intense content. Experts and parents are calling for stricter monitoring, digital literacy, and timely mental health intervention.
