R Srinath (name changed), the only child was thoroughly spoiled by his parents who bought him everything he asked for. It was when he was in class 10 that his demands became excessive. In addition to his expensive cell phones and clothes, he desperately wanted a bike. It was at this point his parents decided to take him to a counsellor.
Dr Shalini Somesh, a child psychologist says that Srinath responded to the counselling positively, but later his demands became even more excessive. "One day he demanded Rs 50,000 and became violent when his parents failed to oblige. He was given psychiatric treatment," she says. The youth who is studying in a city college is till undergoing treatment for his violent nature, says Shalini.
Shalini who was talking about mental health issues among teenagers at the Suguna RIP V Matriculation School in the city on Wednesday said that many of the problems among teenagers and youngsters are due to the lack of assertiveness of parents. "Parents should say no when needed. If not possible, they should at least postpone meeting the demand," she says.
At the same time, Shalini says that the nature of problems among this age group is different from what it was a few years ago. "Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are some of the biggest culprits," she says. Many romantic relationships are developed as a mobile will allow one to talk under a blanket the whole night. Mobile phones may be essential for many, but their misuse should be checked.
These electronic gadgets also compound the health issues faced by children these days, says Dr Usha Elango, the president of the Indian Association of Paediatrics (IAP), Coimbatore. Constant use of mobile phones and social networking sites leaves children with no time for exercise, leading to obesity and other health issues. "I had got the case of a boy who had developed arthritis in his fingers as he used to send around 6,000 messages a day!," she says.
Dr Usha says that many youngsters are overweight. Eating high quantities of junk food and lack of exercise are some of the main problems among youth, she says. She says that parents, teachers and the students themselves should be made aware of the ill effects of their habits or lifestyle. "Both parents and children should be aware of the present day challenges they face. If problems persist don't hesitate to consult a psychologist," she suggests.
