Did This Death Note Push a Bengaluru Boy to Die?
Two recent tragic incidents involving young boys in Bengaluru and Delhi have once again raised serious concerns about children’s exposure to dark online content and unmonitored screen time. These cases serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and health professionals to understand the mental health risks lurking in digital media.
What Is ‘Death Note’?
Death Note is a Japanese anime and manga series that follows a teenager who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. The show explores themes like justice, control, and morality but with intense and dark storytelling that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Case 1: Bengaluru Boy’s Death Linked to Anime Series ‘Death Note’
A 12-year-old boy from the CK Acchukattu area of Bengaluru, studying in Class 7, died by suicide on August 3. During the investigation, police discovered he was a fan of the Japanese anime Death Note—a series known for its intense, dark storyline centred around a magical notebook that causes death when a name is written in it.
A drawing of a character from the series was found in his room, leading authorities to consider whether the content may have influenced his mental state. His mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis to understand his recent digital activity.
His parents stated he showed no signs of distress and had no known issues at home or school. This sudden loss has sparked deeper questions about the hidden psychological effects of disturbing online content on children.
Case 2: Delhi Boy’s Death Linked to Excessive Screen Time
On the same day, August 3, another heartbreaking case emerged from Delhi. A 10-year-old boy from Ambika Vihar Colony was found dead after spending over 10 hours on his mobile phone. According to police, the boy had spent 7 hours playing games and another 4 hours watching YouTube videos.
His father mentioned that the boy skipped school due to the rain and remained at home, fully immersed in his device. While the investigation is ongoing, experts suspect that excessive screen exposure and lack of offline activity may have contributed to his mental distress.
The Impact of Children’s Exposure to Dark Online Content
Both cases underline a common concern: children’s exposure to dark online content combined with unregulated screen time can seriously affect their emotional and psychological well-being.
Dark-themed media often contain complex, violent, or disturbing imagery that children may not fully understand. When consumed without guidance, it can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even harmful behaviour.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
While many children appear normal on the outside, their online experiences can have a profound impact on them internally. Here are some signs parents and teachers should look out for:
- Sudden mood changes
- Withdrawal from social interaction
- Fixation on dark or violent content
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
What Can Be Done?
It is critical for parents and caregivers to:
- Monitor children’s digital activity regularly
- Set time limits on gaming and video content
- Watch age-appropriate content together when possible
- Encourage open conversations about what children are watching
- Promote outdoor activities and offline hobbies
Mental health professionals also stress the importance of digital literacy teaching children how to safely navigate online content.
Conclusion
These heartbreaking incidents are a grim reminder of how children’s exposure to dark online content can impact mental health. As digital media continues to grow, so does the responsibility to protect young minds from its harmful effects.
By staying involved, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering open communication, adults can help children develop a safer, healthier relationship with technology.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
