Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide

We’ve all heard them — those dismissive phrases like, “Come on, it’s just a joke!’ or “We all went through this as kids, you’ll get over it.” Sometimes we even laugh along. But what happens when the laughter stops? Too often, the pain inflicted by those “jokes” linger long after the words are spoken.

A heartbreaking case recently shook the country. A 15-year-old took his own life after facing relentless bullying. While the details remain private, the tragedy forces us to ask: How many silent cries for help go unnoticed every day?

Bullying isn’t just a phase. It’s a reality that pushes children into isolation, fear, and, in some cases, despair; and the signs are there if we choose to see them.

Spotting the signs

Mental health issues don’t always announce themselves with dramatic changes. In a conversation with The Better India, Priyanka Varma, a psychologist at The Thought Co. in Mumbai, explains that signs like persistent changes in sleep, appetite, or mood should never be ignored.

“If a child withdraws from social situations, loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, or starts isolating themselves, these could be indicators that something deeper is wrong,” she says. “It’s important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to take note, especially if a child expresses........

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