Indian police probe teen sisters' suicide linked to online content

Police investigate the suspected suicide of three sisters in Ghaziabad, citing influence from Korean pop culture and online content as a key factor in the tragedy.

GHAZIABAD: Indian police have launched an investigation into the suspected suicide of three young sisters, citing concerns they were heavily influenced by online games and movies they were later denied access to.

The sisters, aged 12, 14 and 16, reportedly jumped from their home in Ghaziabad on Wednesday.

Senior police official Nimish Patil confirmed the investigation is underway based on a suicide note and the girls’ phones.

“The investigation is underway based on the suicide note and their phones,” Patil told AFP.

He stated the sisters had been “influenced by Korean culture: K-pop music, games and movies”.

Their father had recently taken away their devices and barred them from watching Korean dramas and playing online games.

Patil added that the family also appeared to be under financial distress.

Police in India routinely investigate the factors leading up to suspected suicides.

The case has sparked intense media debate in India about young people’s online exposure and mental health.

Korean culture has surged in popularity among Indian youth over the past decade.

Concern has grown globally that excessive screen time and addictive algorithms harm child development.

This has prompted authorities in several countries to push for social media restrictions for children and teens.

Two Indian states recently said they were preparing to ban children from using social media.

Australia banned social networks for under-16s in December.

French lawmakers last month passed a bill to ban social media use by under-15s.

The bill awaits confirmation by the country’s Senate.

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