The heartbreaking death of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad, who allegedly jumped to their deaths, has sent shockwaves across the country. As investigators work to piece together what led to the tragedy, mental health experts are urging caution against jumping to quick conclusions — especially around online gaming.

Calling it a “very unfortunate incident,” Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi, said the situation must be examined in its entirety.

“We need to see this in totality. There could be multiple factors involved,” he said, emphasizing that child behavior is rarely shaped by a single cause.

In recent days, speculation around gaming has dominated public conversations. While acknowledging that excessive gaming among young people is a growing concern, Dr. Sagar warned against oversimplifying the issue.

“Gaming as such is not always a problem,” he explained. “In fact, offline gaming can be a healthy mode of entertainment. It becomes concerning only in a small percentage of cases when it turns excessive.”

According to him, the real issue may lie deeper — in a complex mix of emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors.

“Overall child behaviour, sudden changes in behaviour, the environment at home, interaction with parents, parental disharmony — these are all very important influences,” Dr. Sagar noted.

He pointed out that certain underlying conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or emotional difficulties can also be linked to problematic gaming patterns. However, these are part of a larger picture.

“There are multiple factors — not going to school, lack of interaction with family, reduced socialisation, not going out. All these may be related. We need a proper investigation before drawing conclusions,” he said.

The mention of online gaming has also revived memories of past incidents like the so-called “Blue Whale” challenge that had sparked nationwide panic a few years ago. But experts caution that each case must be examined carefully and independently.

“We need to look at the risk factors and understand what determinants are leading to behavioural changes,” Dr. Sagar emphasized. “Children also have a natural tendency toward high-risk behaviour, which makes guidance and supervision even more crucial.”

Mental health professionals say tragedies like this underline the urgent need for open communication within families. Sudden withdrawal, mood swings, irritability, isolation, or drastic changes in routine are often early warning signs that require attention.

As authorities continue their probe, experts stress that the focus should remain on understanding the broader ecosystem around children — their emotional health, family dynamics, peer interactions, and digital exposure — rather than placing blame on a single trigger.

The Ghaziabad tragedy is a painful reminder that behind every headline lies a complex human story — one that demands sensitivity, careful investigation, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding children’s mental well-being.