A tragic incident has unfolded in the Khanyara area of Dharamshala, located within the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, where a 14-year-old boy reportedly took his own life after being refused a smartphone to play an online game. The deceased, identified as Prince, was a student in the 9th grade. Following the heartbreaking occurrence, police authorities took custody of the body to perform standard legal procedures. The family has expressed no suspicion of foul play regarding the tragedy.
Refusal of Smartphone Triggers Devastating Outcome
According to available details, Prince had been persistently asking his mother to hand over the mobile phone so he could play the online game Free Fire. However, his mother turned down his request, denying him access to the device. Agitated and upset over not getting the phone, Prince retreated into his bedroom in anger. The family members had no inkling that his frustration would lead to such an extreme and irreversible action.
The tragedy came to light when Prince's sister arrived home and walked toward the kitchen to fetch food. It was then that she discovered her brother hanging inside the room. Shocked family members immediately rushed him to the nearby medical facility in hopes of saving his life, but the attending doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The sudden loss has left the local community of Khanyara in deep mourning.
Grieving Father Issues Heartfelt Warning to Parents and Schools
Overwhelmed by grief, Prince's father, Ravi Kumar, issued a poignant appeal to parents and educational institutions across the region. Describing the events of the day, Ravi Kumar shared that he was away on duty when the incident took place. He received a phone call notifying him of the catastrophe at approximately 4:45 PM on Wednesday evening. He noted that his family comprises seven members in total, and the tragic demise of his 9th-grade son has left an irreplaceable void.
Fighting back tears, Ravi Kumar emphasized that while his own child is gone, no other family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to digital addiction. He urged parents to vigilantly restrict their children's access to smartphones and mobile games. Furthermore, he directed an appeal toward schools, requesting them not to make students constantly reliant on mobile devices under the pretext of academic studies and homework assignments. He stressed that children should instead be encouraged to participate in outdoor sports, physical exercises, and co-curricular activities.
District Administration Calls for Collective Action and Policy Awareness
Addressing the growing concern over youth screen addiction, Kangra District Collector (DC) Hemraj Bairwa expressed profound sadness while reflecting on the societal shift toward heavy digital engagement. DC Hemraj Bairwa pointed out that smartphones and social media usage among young children have surged rapidly. He highlighted that several nations worldwide have already implemented formal restrictions and regulatory measures to limit smartphone usage among minors.
The District Collector observed that in earlier times, open grounds and neighborhood play areas allowed children to engage in physical activities, which contributed significantly to their overall health and well-being. However, modern lifestyles have severely reduced these outdoor outlets, turning mobile screens into the primary source of entertainment. DC Bairwa asserted that curbing this growing dependency requires a fundamental shift in mindset among parents, educators, and community leaders. He reaffirmed that the district administration is fully prepared to collaborate with social organizations to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns.
