Helplines such as Abhayam and Childline in Ahmedabad are witnessing a significant increase in distress calls since schools closed for summer vacation in late April. Coordinators report a notable rise in cases involving aggression, screen addiction, and runaway incidents among teenagers.
A helpline coordinator stated, "We typically receive two to three cases a week, but that number has now climbed to one to two cases every day. Parents are reporting issues ranging from anger and aggression to phone addiction and children leaving home. Vacation is certainly a contributing factor, though we are also seeing a broader upward trend in interpersonal issues."
In one recent case, counsellors intervened after a 12-year-old girl began displaying aggression and refusing meals. A counsellor explained, "She was heavily addicted to screens and showed clear behavioural issues. What began as an escape mechanism in a household with only an elderly grandmother and a working mother eventually spiralled into a serious problem, driven largely by boredom at home." The child has since been referred to a psychologist.
Social media addiction was cited as a reason in some cases where parents were worried about their children talking to strangers online. Lifestyle aspirations also played a role, with teens found stealing money to fund trips or visits to cafes.
Experts attribute the trend to changing socioeconomic dynamics. They point to shrinking play areas in modern high-rises, the prevalence of digital devices, and a steady erosion of social circles and face-to-face interaction. A psychologist noted, "Summer holidays once meant visits to relatives and time spent with cousins. That tradition continues in many families, but its frequency has dropped sharply in today's fast-paced life. Children need to feel warmth and belonging, and boredom should not be treated as a problem to be addressed by cramming the day with activities."
