Erosion of discipline

“In Kerala, which is increasingly becoming a semi-western society, there’s also an erosion of restraint. A lack of structured discipline,” Arun points out. Dr M S Pranav, consultant psychologist at Solace Neurobehavioral and Child Guidance Centre, concurs.

“In earlier times, individuals were subjected to strict social norms, restrictions, and a structured system, which acted as a form of behavioural control. But today, teenagers and youngsters are neither restricted nor controlled, nor do they face struggles for basic needs,” Pranav says.

“As a result,” the psychologist continues, “even minor issues like feeling insecure, self-doubt, or seeking attention can escalate into extreme behaviours.”

Adding to this, Dr Femi Abdullah, a consultant psychiatrist and a sexual medicine practitioner, highlights the role of desensitisation (i.e. the gradual loss of emotional sensitivity due to repeated exposure to violent content) among teens and youth.

“To a teenager, a violent hero appears ‘cool.’ When they are constantly exposed to violent depictions in movies and games, real-life violence no longer feels shocking. Over time, they become desensitised to aggression, making it harder for them to handle even minor criticism, which fuels anger and resentment,” Femi explains. She also stresses that substance abuse intensifies violent tendencies among youth.

“Rage is on the rise,” says Anoop John, a teacher at Ramamangalam High School. According to him, it was the pandemic that was a catalyst for this disturbing trend.

“Before the pandemic, there was a healthy connection between students, parents, and teachers. But now, we’re seeing a shift,” he says.

“Students today are exposed to a range of content, even hate-inducing ones. As a result, empathy, love, and respect… these values are fading. Today, it’s all about ‘me, myself, and I.’ An unhealthy self-prioritisation is taking over,” Anoop says.