A 15-year-old girl from eastern Ahmedabad, who had reportedly been spending most of her time alone in her room and using her mobile phone, came to her parents’ attention after her father checked her phone while she was asleep and discovered that she was chatting with 14 boys and sharing private photographs with them.
When confronted by her father, the teenager reportedly got into an argument with him, insisting that she wanted to live life on her own terms. She also threatened to take her own life, leaving her parents worried. Her mother subsequently contacted the Abhayam helpline, following which a counselling team visited the family and intervened.
What happened?
According to information received, the girl’s behaviour had changed over the past few years, reportedly due to loneliness and a lack of emotional attention at home. Both her parents are working, and she would spend most of her time alone in her room, constantly occupied with her mobile phone.
Suspecting something was amiss, her father checked her phone and discovered that she had been regularly chatting with 14 unknown boys and sharing personal photographs with them.
When her father questioned her, the girl reportedly reacted angrily and insisted that nobody had the right to dictate how she lived her life. She also threatened suicide, prompting her mother to seek help through the Abhayam helpline.
Minor makes emotional revelations during counselling
During the counselling session, the girl reportedly broke down and told the Abhayam team that both her parents remained occupied with work, leaving her alone at home.
She reportedly said, “Both my parents work, so there is no one at home. I do not receive love and affection at home, so I look for it outside.”
The counselling team explained to her the potential dangers of interacting with strangers on social media, the risks associated with sharing personal photographs and the importance of focusing on her education.
The team also counselled the parents, advising them to spend more time with their daughter, offer emotional support and avoid reacting with anger. Following the intervention, the family reconciled.
Growing loneliness among children of working parents
According to the counsellor, children in households where both parents work may experience a lack of communication and emotional connection with their families. As a result, some turn to digital platforms in search of attention and companionship.
In this case, the girl reportedly came into contact with several young men through social media and shared personal photographs with them, potentially exposing herself to serious risks.