Tragic Suicide of Three Sisters in Ghaziabad Sparks Concern Over Online Gaming Impact
Uttar Pradesh Incident
Uttar Pradesh: The tragic suicide of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad has sent shockwaves across the state. This incident highlights the severe impact of mobile and online gaming on children. Following this heartbreaking event, Babita Chauhan, the chairperson of the State Women's Commission, expressed deep concern regarding online classes for children. She announced that notices would be issued to schools, instructing them to refrain from assigning online classes or homework to students.
The Ghaziabad Incident
Late Wednesday night, three minor sisters jumped from a high-rise building in Bharat City Society, Ghaziabad. Around 2:30 AM, as the neighborhood was in deep slumber, a loud noise shattered the silence, turning it into screams. The father of the deceased girls, Chetan Kumar, attributed this tragic incident to an online Korean task-based lover game. He mentioned that his daughters had been playing this game for quite some time, and the final task was particularly dangerous. In an attempt to complete this task, the girls chose to take their own lives.
Who Led the Game?
Investigations revealed that the 14-year-old Prachi was the leader among the three sisters in this game. She was the one giving commands and explaining the tasks associated with the game. The sisters did everything together, including eating, sleeping, going to school, and playing the game, which is why they took this horrifying step simultaneously.
A Warning for Society
On Thursday, the chairperson of the Women's Commission visited Agra District Jail to meet female inmates and discuss issues related to their rehabilitation. Speaking to the media, she referred to the Ghaziabad incident, stating that the suicide of the three girls serves as a warning for society. This event underscores the profound effects of digital pressure and online content on children. She emphasized that the presence of mobile phones in children's hands poses a serious threat to their mental health and safety, which can no longer be overlooked.
Digital Addiction Leading to Mental Stress
Babita Chauhan pointed out that since the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have started sending homework via mobile phones, leading to increased screen dependency among children. This digital addiction often results in mental stress and depression, pushing children towards harmful paths.
Encouraging Traditional Learning Methods
She stated that the Women's Commission will take steps to prevent schools from assigning homework through mobile phones. Letters will be sent to relevant schools encouraging them to adopt alternative and safer learning methods instead of relying on mobile phones. While online classes were necessary during the pandemic, that time has now passed, and children should be taught using books in classrooms.
An Appeal to Parents
The chairperson also urged parents to monitor their children's online activities closely. She encouraged regular communication with their children and advised keeping them away from mobile phones as much as possible. She emphasized that ensuring children's safety and mental development is a shared responsibility between schools and parents. It is time to learn from the Ghaziabad incident and take concrete actions.