While adults debate politics and morality, the teen students at the center of the storm are often left to drown.
Dr. Anitha P. Raj, a child psychologist based in Kochi, has seen a 40% rise in teen anxiety cases linked to cyber-vilification since January 2024. "The permanence of the internet is a concept their brains are not equipped to handle," she says. "A video that goes viral today will resurface during their college admission interview, their first job application, or even their wedding. We are treating children for suicidal ideation because a video of them laughing at a bus stop turned into a meme questioning their character." desi teen students mms scandal kerala university new
The phenomenon of "digital abduction" is rife—where strangers download the video, re-upload it with false context, and use it to gain followers. Once the video is out, the child loses control over their own narrative. While adults debate politics and morality, the teen
A quieter, younger demographic fights back. Their counter-arguments focus on privacy and legality: This group champions the Juvenile Justice (Care and
This group champions the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which explicitly prohibits the disclosure of a child’s identity in media, even in conflict with the law.
While adults argue on Facebook, the lives of the three identified students have been destroyed.
Mental health helplines in Kerala report a spike in calls from teenagers in that specific district, complaining of anxiety and suicidal ideation.