Can intense dependence on the virtual world affect an adolescent’s emotional regulation? In cases like the Ghaziabad tragedy, where excessive online immersion appears to have intersected with family conflict, the risks become very visible. For many adolescents, the online world is no longer just entertainment; it has become their primary emotional coping tool. Abrupt bans, yelling, or confiscating devices often backfire and push children deeper into the online world as a form of escape. Parents also need to remember that excessive online immersion is often a symptom of emotional distress, not the root cause.

Source: Indian Express February 04, 2026 09:55 UTC