Mangaluru: The city is witnessing an average 5%-10% annual increase in cases of teenagers becoming victims of sexual exploitation via social media, according to psychiatrists. Experts caution that many affected teens, unable to share their experiences, are being driven to the verge of suicide.A 14-year-old girl visited the paediatrics department of a hospital for a minor health concern. During her consultation, she revealed a recent suicide attempt. She was subsequently referred for counselling, where, after several sessions, she recounted her traumatic experience, Dr Poonam Santhosh, consultant, psychiatry, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru said, while speaking on the sidelines of World Suicide Prevention Day.She said that the teenager had befriended a boy on social media, who later visited her at home. On that occasion, another boy accompanied him, and she was forced into an intimate act that was filmed. The perpetrators then threatened to release the video, using it to blackmail her. Over time, others also began to approach her. Feeling trapped and unable to confide in her parents, she eventually filed a complaint. The boy was arrested, but the psychological impact persisted. “Every year, we are witnessing a 5%-10% increase in such cases. We cannot ignore threats of self-harm. Even if they seem like attention-seeking behaviour linked to a personality disorder, it may be a warning sign requiring a different kind of psychological support,” Dr Poonam said, noting that among slightly older boys, sextortion cases are rising. “When students cannot meet monetary demands, some consider taking the extreme step,” she said.Short lived ‘likes’, long term harmDr Kiran Kumar PK, professor of psychiatry, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, warned that the pursuit of ‘likes’ is leading vulnerable teenagers into dangerous online behaviour, including cyberbullying, sexualised chats, gaming addiction, and sextortion. “This age group is vulnerable to social media, relationships, gaming and the pull of social status. A burst of appreciation online makes them happy, but it is short-lived. To keep that feeling, some go beyond safe limits,” he observed.He said that addiction and depression often reinforce each other, with suicidal thoughts becoming more common. Sextortion is also increasing among older adolescents. “Additionally, teenage pregnancies are being reported more frequently, with many cases likely remaining unreported. There is also a new trend of teenagers using AI chatbots as companions. While this may seem harmless, it can blur boundaries. For those lacking stable peer relationships, these interactions can escalate into sexualised conversations, increasing their vulnerability,” he said. At home, parents need to practise what they preach. “Parents tell children to limit screen time while staying glued to their own. Be close to your kids, learn the new trends, and model the rules you want them to follow. Behavioural changes such as sudden anger, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, or secrecy around devices should not be ignored,” he added.
