Class 10 Boy Dies by Suicide in Telangana After Parents Take Away Phone Over PUBG Addiction

The rising popularity of online games such as PUBG has brought not only entertainment but also alarming levels of dependency among teenagers. What may start as harmless relaxation often escalates into compulsive addiction, negatively affecting academics, relationships, and mental health.

In Telangana, a devastating incident highlighted this crisis when a Class 10 student, unable to cope with his parents’ decision to take away his phone, took the extreme step of ending his life. This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for counseling, stronger family communication, and greater awareness about the dangers of gaming addiction .

PUBG Addiction Among Teenagers

Over the years, PUBG has emerged as one of the most engaging online multiplayer games, attracting millions of young users. However, its immersive and competitive nature has also been linked to problematic gaming behavior. For many teenagers, the game becomes more than just recreation - it becomes a compulsion dominating their daily lives, reducing their focus on academics, physical activity and family life. In this case, the Class 10 student’s excessive indulgence created friction with his parents, ultimately spiraling into tragedy.

Parents’ Decision to Intervene

Concerned about their son’s screen time and declining academic performance, the boy’s parents made the difficult choice to confiscate his phone. Although their intention was to protect his future, the absence of effective communication and emotional support may have left him feeling isolated and misunderstood. This highlights how crucial it is for parents to balance discipline with empathy, ensuring restrictions do not push children into distress.

A Tragic Consequence of Digital Dependency

The student’s decision to end his life is a painful reminder of how gaming addiction can escalate into severe psychological consequences. Experts classify such dependency as a behavioural addiction, comparable to gambling. Being unable to access the game may have triggered feelings of hopelessness, pushing him toward an irreversible decision. Such tragedies stress the importance of recognising gaming addiction as a serious mental health issue.

Mental Health Concerns Among Adolescents

Adolescence is already a challenging phase, marked by emotional, social, and academic pressures. Coupled with digital dependency, the risks of anxiety, depression, and impulsive decisions increase sharply. Unfortunately, mental health remains stigmatized or inadequately supported in many Indian households, leaving teenagers to cope alone. This incident reveals the urgent need to treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.

A Call for Awareness and Preventive Measures

Experts emphasise that preventive measures must involve open conversations between parents and children, counselling support in schools, and structured awareness about digital addiction. Instead of only confiscating devices, parents should encourage balanced technology use, promote offline hobbies, and prioritise family bonding.