MUMBAI: Psychiatrists have noticed a surge in the number of city

getting hooked to pornography as the lockdown has resulted in more and more hours being spent in front of the screen. Adolescents have also been creating accounts on dating apps by faking their ages and chatting with strangers, sometimes exchanging inappropriate photos. Parents have been reporting to mental health professionals of instances where youngsters are injuring themselves to seek attention.

“Teenagers anyway want their space and privacy. Before the lockdown, they had outlets like sports, going to school or college, hanging out with friends and other outdoor activities. When all of that is taken away, one ventures further into the virtual world. Parents cannot forbid them from using gadgets as academic sessions have gone also online during the lockdown,” said Dr

, senior

with Mpower, an organisation founded by

that works in the field of mental health. “When a teen is bored and starts experimenting online, he is likely to test boundaries and act on sexual impulses in that regard. We are noticing an increase in instances of cyber bullying and access to sexual content among teenagers. While it is not possible for parents to be vigilant 24X7, they must talk to their children and make them cognisant of the fact that one has to be wary. Covid-19 is a global phenomena and the predator, on the other end, is idle and as frustrated,” said Dr Marker.

Spending all those extra hours on the net is leading to irritability and sleep disturbances. “There is no real need to get up and go to school or lead a structured life anymore. Sleep deprivation is being reported in children over 13 as they have been spending too much time on gadgets,” said Dr

, consultant psychiatrist with PD Hinduja hospital.

“There is a marked increase in digital addiction and watching pornography among adolescents. Children are creating accounts on dating apps by faking their ages. There is a lot of online chatting with unknown partners, perhaps to add some spark to their boredom. Children are aware of ways in which such apps can be hidden on gadgets so parents don’t find out,” said Alisha Lalljee, special educator and psychotherapist.

Lalljee has been noticing cases where children between the ages of 13 and 15 have been injuring themselves. “It is nothing critical that would need hospitalisation and is done to seek attention,” she said. Most teenagers have never spent so many hours inside the house with their parents and are finding it difficult to bond. Parents’ attempts to discipline the child are also resulting in rage and aggression. “With not being able to venture out, a lot of teens are complaining that they are finding it difficult to deal with addictions like smoking, and drinking. They are unable to sustain their relationships and are having suicidal thoughts as well,” said clinical psychologist Seema Hingoranny.

There have also been instances of parents raising their hands on their children more than before. “With so much anxiety, balancing work and chores, dealing with online schooling and worrying about pay cuts, all the frustration is being taken out on kids. I have seen an uptick in cases of children being physically hit. Even effective mothers and fathers who have been in control and have been good parents are reacting in this manner with children,” said Dr Marker.

The solution is better communication. “The impact of the lockdown on a teenager’s mental health is going to show for months after the virus outbreak ends. Parents need to understand that it is challenging for the teens to handle and ground themselves in these extraordinary circumstances. When there is no communication in such a situation, there is a breakdown. Parents must give them time outs and ensure they get some fresh air,” said Hingoranny.