Are we failing our children by normalising aggression and neglecting emotional well-being? The surge in violent altercations demands not just outrage, but introspection and action.
Published Feb 06, 2025 | 7:57 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 07, 2025 | 6:53 AM
Bullying. Representative image. (iStock)
Synopsis: A growing pattern of adolescent violence is shaking Kerala’s conscience. Beyond pointing fingers at young people, it’s time to examine the role of adults, shifting societal norms, and the environment shaping adolescent behaviour. Psychiatrists emphasise that emotional regulation and open communication at home are just as crucial as academic success.
A plus-two student was stabbed by his peers. A 9th Class student was attacked with a knife inside a school bus. A teenager’s life was cut short, allegedly driven to suicide by relentless bullying by his classmates.
These chilling incidents are not isolated but part of a growing pattern of adolescent violence shaking Kerala’s conscience.
While it’s easy to blame Gen Z (Generation Z, referring to people born between 1996 and 2010) for a supposed decline in social skills, the real question is — how did we get here?
Beyond pointing fingers at young people, it’s time to examine the role of adults, shifting societal norms, and the environment shaping adolescent behaviour.
Are we failing our children by normalising aggression and neglecting emotional well-being? The surge in violent altercations demands not just outrage, but introspection and action.
Adolescent violence and delinquency are rising concerns in Kerala, sparking intense debate about their root causes and possible solutions.
While some attribute the issue to the Gen Z social media boom, experts argue that the problem has deeper psychological, social, and familial roots.
Lack of adult supervision, emotional neglect, peer pressure, exposure to unfiltered media content, and a competitive academic environment all play significant roles.
“Peer group influence is there, and children today are exposed to unmonitored media content that is not age-appropriate. This affects their cognition. The lack of proper mentoring and supervision further worsens the situation,” said Renitta Manuel, a doctoral scholar in social work, speaking to South First.
She pointed out that dysfunctional families and childhood trauma are key contributors to problematic adolescent behaviour.
“According to child psychology, whatever a child displays as their characteristics, the root cause lies in their early childhood. The absence of a trustworthy adult in a child’s life can push them towards unhealthy coping mechanisms, often leading to aggression or delinquency,” she added.
Sociologists pointed out that Gen Z is growing up in an era of information overload, digital hyper-connectivity, and social pressures. These factors, combined with unresolved trauma and emotional volatility, make it harder to regulate strong emotions like anger and frustration.
Constant exposure to violent content can desensitise young minds, sometimes normalising aggression. Hormonal fluctuations, especially in testosterone and estrogen, further heighten emotional reactivity and impulsivity in teenagers.
Psychiatrists emphasise that emotional regulation and open communication at home are just as crucial as academic success.
Dr Arun B Nair, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, warned against solely focusing on grades.
“Meeting an adolescent’s educational needs is not enough. We must foster open communication, create safe and supportive spaces, and actively teach emotional regulation. Parents, regardless of their economic or social background, often struggle to handle adolescent children. Our education system must include three critical aspects — legal literacy, cyber literacy, and health literacy,” he told South First.
Dr Nair believes that schools should introduce awareness about legal provisions such as the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. If children understand the consequences of crimes, it might deter them from engaging in such acts,” he added.
Renitta also echoed the same. According to her, empowering children with legal literacy is crucial for building a just and informed society.
“Integrating age-appropriate lessons on crime, punishment, and the POCSO Act into the school curriculum can have a profound impact. By understanding the legal consequences of their actions, children can develop a stronger sense of responsibility and empathy. This proactive approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of the law but also cultivates a culture of respect and ethical behaviour, ultimately contributing to a safer and more equitable future for all,” Renitta said.
Social media has redefined adolescent interactions, expanding their social circles beyond their immediate peers. According to child rights activists and experts, this has both positive and negative consequences.
“Unlike previous generations, today’s adolescents engage with people from different age groups on social media. When they share personal issues within these circles, the level of involvement escalates. If not handled well, these interactions can embolden some children to engage in unlawful activities, thinking they won’t face consequences. However, when things spiral out of control, those who once offered support disappear,” said Anson PD Alexander, a child rights activist and founder of Kanal, an NGO working towards children’s empowerment.
He also warned about the psychological effects of excessive screen exposure.
“The constant stimulation from digital content reduces attention spans and increases impulsivity. Easy access to crime-related material in movies and online platforms desensitises young people to violence, making aggressive behaviour seem normal. Adults must actively guide children’s media consumption,” he told South First.
“Social media presents a double-edged sword for children,” said a Kerala Police Cyber Cell Officer.
“While offering incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it also exposes them to various risks. Children can easily encounter harmful content like explicit material, which can have a negative impact on their understanding of sexuality and body image,” the officer told South First.
Furthermore, the interactive nature of these platforms makes them vulnerable to online predators.
“Grooming”, where adults manipulate children for sexual purposes, often begins with seemingly innocent online interactions. This can involve excessive flattery, sharing inappropriate content, or even offering gifts to build trust.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in safeguarding children.
“Open communication is key. Talk to your children about their online activities, explain the potential dangers, and establish clear rules for internet usage. Encourage them to report any suspicious or uncomfortable interactions,” said the officer.
Another significant concern raised by Alexander is that teachers now feel restrained due to strict regulations.
“There is legislation against corporal punishment. Because of this, teachers hesitate to control students beyond a certain limit,” he remarked.
Experts unanimously agree that addressing adolescent violence requires a multi-pronged approach.
However, Renitta is quick to point out that, “At the government level, awareness is the key. Even if a policy is framed, it must be implemented effectively to bring real change.”
According to an official at the Kerala General Education Department, legislation against bullying could be brought at the state or the Union level.
“While existing laws offer some protection, a dedicated law would provide clear definitions, stronger enforcement, and a focus on prevention. This would empower schools to implement robust measures like awareness programmes, counselling services, and safe reporting mechanisms. Penalties could include suspensions, community service, and even legal action against negligent school officials,” said the officer.
Meanwhile, the state government is of the view that punishment is not the solution but a holistic approach to children’s well-being.
This was underscored by the stance taken by General Education Minister V Sivankutty in the Palakkad incident when a higher secondary school student misbehaved with the principal and another teacher for confiscating his mobile phone.
Even though the student got suspended, the minister revoked that order arguing that mere punishment is not the answer.
He then stressed the need for a broader social approach to addressing children’s behavioural issues, highlighting the growing concerns over the psychological pressures faced by students and their exposure to violence through digital and social media.
Sivankutty emphasised that the solution does not lie in penalising children. Instead, he called for introspection on whether children are being deprived of the opportunities for self-expression at home, in schools, and within society at large.
“Children face various pressures and tensions for multiple reasons. This is not a problem that can be solved by educational institutions or students alone — it requires a social response,” the minister stated.
He underscored the necessity of studying the psychological impact of violent imagery on young minds, especially in the digital age.
He then asserted that society must collectively work towards creating a supportive environment for children.
“This incident highlights the urgency of strengthening emotional support systems within schools. We cannot address these issues solely through punishment. But we must face them head-on. Discussions are essential to developing a more nurturing social atmosphere for children,” he said in a social media post on 22 January.
The message is clear: Adolescent violence is not a problem that can be solved by blaming one factor alone.
Families, schools, communities, and policymakers must work together to create a culture of empathy, respect, and responsible behaviour — before it’s too late.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
