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Last November, a tragic event unfolded in Jaipur when nine-year-old Amayra lost her life at a well-known school. Recent CCTV footage has revealed that she was subjected to bullying by her peers.

Amayra faced a lack of support from her teacher, relentless mockery from classmates, and overall neglect, which ultimately led her to take the heartbreaking decision to end her life. This incident highlights a troubling aspect of urban life, where children may have material wealth but often experience emotional isolation. What went wrong in our approach to their well-being?

**The Growing Distance in the Digital World**
Prolonged exposure to trauma can lead individuals, especially children, into deep depression. Young minds, still developing, struggle to process complex emotions or seek help effectively.

In today's hyper-connected world, children are linked to vast networks yet remain emotionally distant. Instead of fostering empathy through real-life interactions, they are often given screens. Family communication has become routine and mechanical, focusing on basic needs rather than emotional well-being. Questions like "How was your day?" or "What did you enjoy today?" are rarely asked, leading children to feel isolated and pressured to be self-sufficient from an early age.

When children show signs of emotional distress, their feelings are often brushed aside with the advice to "stay strong," causing them to conceal their struggles and feel profoundly alone.

**Prioritizing Mental Health**
In a society obsessed with academic success, we must shift our focus from grades to the mental health and behavior of children. Often, adults only notice a child's distress when they exhibit anger or aggression, but we must intervene before reaching that point. Introverted children may suffer in silence, lost among their peers. It's crucial to engage with them about their feelings and friendships, asking questions like, "How do you feel at school?" and "Who do you enjoy spending time with?" A single counselor cannot adequately support thousands of students; both teachers and parents must engage in ongoing self-improvement.

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Dr. Deepali Batra, Clinical Child Psychologist

Recognize the Red Flags
Understanding children's behavior is essential. In Amayra's situation, her distress was evident in class. Teachers need training to identify early warning signs of emotional distress. Schools should implement regular training sessions focused on emotional and personal well-being.

While not every expression requires immediate action, teachers should be alert to signs of distress, such as a child staring blankly or appearing shocked. Simple inquiries like "Is something bothering you?" or "Would you like to talk?" can help prevent tragic outcomes.

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