Ghaziabad News: A devastating incident in Ghaziabad has brought renewed attention to the risks of excessive online gaming among minors. Three sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, died after jumping from their ninth-floor apartment in the early hours of February 4. The case has shocked residents and sparked a wider discussion on children’s mental health, digital exposure and parental awareness.
Online Gaming Was the Focus of the Investigation
Police investigations indicate that the sisters were heavily engaged with a task-based online game, which they had reportedly been playing for several years. According to officials, a dispute over restrictions on gaming preceded the incident. A note recovered from the scene referred to the game as central to their lives, while digital evidence is being examined to understand the structure and influence of the platform involved.
Authorities are analysing mobile phones, online activity and communication patterns to determine whether the game encouraged harmful behaviour or reinforced emotional dependency.
School Absence and Behavioural Changes Noted
Ghaziabad News: One of the key concerns highlighted by investigators is irregular school attendance. Officials said the sisters had been missing classes frequently, a pattern often associated with excessive screen time. Neighbours and relatives also indicated that the children had gradually reduced social interaction, spending long hours indoors and disengaging from routine activities.
Experts note that such behavioural shifts—when combined with secrecy around device use—can indicate deeper psychological stress.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents: Warning Signs You Should Watch For
Child psychologists stress that warning signs of gaming-related distress often include social isolation, irritability when access to devices is restricted, disrupted sleep cycles and declining academic interest. Using games as an emotional escape, especially in adolescence, can increase vulnerability if not addressed early.
