Recent incidents involving teenage aggression have raised alarms among educators and mental health professionals. On Tuesday, an I PU student sustained injuries from an assault by a male batchmate who had been following her and professing his love. This follows another disturbing incident on August 12, where a first-year BCA student was attacked with scissors by a peer upset over being ignored.
In a related case, two students were arrested for kidnapping and assault following a dispute during a football match.
Child Welfare Committee Insights: Renni D’Souza, Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee, links rising aggression to mobile addiction. He reports a concerning trend of students running away from home, attributing these issues to disorganized family environments and educational pressure. D’Souza advocates for awareness programs in schools and colleges, similar to those on sexual harassment, to address behavioral issues and stress management.
Expert Opinions: Dr. Supriya Hegde Aroor, Consultant Psychiatrist at Arogya Clinic and Father Muller Hospital, notes an increase in cases of defiant behavior and uncontrollable rage among teenagers. Factors contributing to this rise include academic pressure, the decline of the joint family system, lack of adult supervision, and social media addiction. Dr. Hegde emphasizes the need for parental monitoring, quality time with teenagers, and addressing underlying issues like substance abuse or depression with empathy.