Mental health watchdogs and school counselors across India are raising the alarm. In 2025, nearly one in three urban teenagers is showing symptoms of anxiety or clinical depression, up nearly 40% since 2020.
What’s Behind the Trend?
Non-stop smartphone use, online bullying, hyper-competitive comparison, and viral “challenge” culture are creating a digital storm the old generation never faced.
Teachers report sharp falls in concentration, sleep, and self-worth, as Instagram likes and WhatsApp groups become 24/7 stress triggers. Some hospitals now run emergency digital detox camps for school kids.
“We see kids panicking over losing followers—social media is not just a hobby, it’s their world,” says psychiatrist Dr. Namita Joshi.
India’s Ministry of Health is rolling out social media awareness campaigns, while tech giants pledge new privacy features. However, real progress will require parental involvement, school reforms, and honest talk about mental health.
