A 14-year-old boy in Hubballi, Karnataka, died by suicide after his mother denied him access to a mobile phone, police said Friday. The incident occurred in Udaynagar locality, where the boy, reportedly addicted to online gaming, locked himself in his room and hanged himself using his mother’s saree after she reprimanded him and took away the device. The Keshvapura police have registered a case, while Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikhar described the tragedy as a matter of grave concern.
The commissioner urged parents to avoid abrupt withdrawal of mobile phones from children struggling with addiction, stressing that sudden denial can trigger extreme reactions. He noted that mobile dependency often develops gradually, sometimes encouraged by parents themselves, and advised gradual reduction of usage with professional consultation when necessary. Shashikhar emphasized that while mobile phones can be used productively for learning, excessive gaming and distraction are harmful. He appealed to both parents and students to adopt responsible practices, highlighting the importance of proper parenting and balanced digital habits.