19 April 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. The Adolescent at home
(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Editorial Page – Page No. – 10)
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Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health |
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Context |
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The Complex Reality of Modern Adolescence in India
- Being a young person in today’s India is no longer a carefree, exploratory phase.
- Adolescence has become a period laden with academic pressure, social media-driven comparison, and emotional solitude.
- While many young people appear successful on the surface, scoring high grades, being digitally active, and socially engaged, they are often battling silent emotional turmoil.
- This contradiction reflects a deep-rooted mental health crisis that remains largely unnoticed and poorly addressed.
A Crisis Revealed by Stark Statistics
- The scale of the youth mental health crisis is reflected in grim statistics. With over 40,000 student suicides reported in the last five years, the emotional toll on young Indians is alarmingly high.
- Despite such distressing figures, India’s health policy gives mental health minimal attention — allocating less than 0.5% of its health budget to it.
- Given that India has over 250 million people under the age of 20, this gross underinvestment reveals a dire mismatch between need and response, making it clear that the issue is both urgent and systemic.
The Lingering Impact of the Pandemic
- The COVID-19 pandemic amplified this crisis. School closures and physical isolation led adolescents to seek refuge online.
- Although digital platforms offered connection, they also introduced toxic patterns: excessive screen time, compulsive scrolling, and a dependence on external validation.
- Social media began to shape self-worth through likes and follower counts, often leading to heightened anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
- What was initially a coping mechanism has now evolved into a long-term mental health threat, with habits from lockdown becoming ingrained in young lives.
Cultural Influence and the Role of Media
- Popular media, such as Netflix’s Adolescence, highlights how the digital age is impacting the youth psyche.
- A particularly concerning trend is the rise of toxic masculinity, popularized by online influencers. These figures often glorify emotional repression and aggression, pressuring boys to conform to outdated ideals of strength.
- This narrative not only damages boys — who are discouraged from seeking help but also perpetuates misogynistic attitudes and emotional detachment.
- It is essential to challenge these harmful ideologies and promote a version of masculinity that values vulnerability, empathy, and emotional openness.
Reforming Systems and Shifting Mindsets
- Addressing this mental health emergency requires both structural reform and cultural transformation.
- Schools should treat emotional well-being as foundational, integrating trained counselors, preventive care, and emotional education into daily life.
- Digital literacy and emotional intelligence must become essential parts of the curriculum, helping students better navigate online environments.
- Simultaneously, dismantling toxic masculinity should be a national priority, reinforced through media, education, and mentorship.
- However, these efforts will be futile without significant financial commitment. India must expand its mental health budget and ensure services reach even the most marginalized regions.
The Role of Families and Public Figures
- Families are the first line of emotional support, yet often the first source of stigma.
- Many households still dismiss conversations about mental health, reinforcing silence and shame.
- Parents must be trained to identify mental distress and respond with empathy.
- Building emotionally intelligent homes starts early where children are encouraged to express themselves and where vulnerability is seen as strength.
- Public figures also have a vital role to play. When celebrities and leaders openly share their struggles, they normalize mental health discourse and foster a culture of authenticity over perfection.
A Call for Compassionate Action
- If we truly believe that youth are the future, we must start by protecting their present.
- No young person should carry the weight of silent suffering alone. This crisis isn’t just about policy, it’s about humanity.
- The decisions we make now will determine whether we continue to lose young lives to silence and neglect, or whether we rise to meet the moment with empathy, investment, and lasting change.
- India must make a conscious choice — to listen, to support, and to prioritize mental health as a fundamental right for every young person.
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Practice Question: India is witnessing a silent mental health crisis among its youth, exacerbated by academic pressure, digital dependency, and societal stigma. Discuss the key challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this issue effectively. (250 Words /15 marks) |
Read more – 18 April 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
