Modern parenting in India: the conversations about sex, social media, and mental health you can’t avoid

How to talk to your kids about tough topics in 2025

It perhaps goes without saying that parenting has always been tough and demanding. However, there was a point in time when grandparents, extended families, and close-knit communities provided guidance, support, and a sense of shared responsibility toward taking care of children. This allowed most parents to manage their busy careers with raising children, in a world vastly different from their own upbringing. Today, the idea of what childhood is looks very different. Children now tackle a world of influence from various sources—family and school to social media and an online world that moves faster than most parents can keep up with.  

Modern Parenting in India—Navigating New Realities

“It’s daunting. I feel as though I have no control over where Rushabh [her son] is picking up information,” says Meenal Seth, a Mumbai-based mother. “It’s no longer just school buses, cable television, or even senior kids. He’s absorbing things from chatbots, influencers on YouTube and Instagram, private WhatsApp groups, and video games. Information is pouring in from devices—some of it unfiltered, some misleading—and I feel helpless.”

A 2021 survey revealed that 65 per cent of Indian parents feel isolated. Urban parents lack emotional support, while rural families struggle with access to mental health and educational resources. This shift is especially complex in a country where parenting is still deeply rooted in tradition. Professor Mila Tuli of Delhi University, in her paper Beliefs on Parenting and Childhood in India, highlights how respect for elders, academic excellence, and familial harmony have long shaped Indian parenting. But today’s parents must reconcile these values with changing social norms and unlearn  generational biases in order to prepare their children for an unpredictable world—one where identity, technology, and mental health are at the forefront.

The rise of nuclear families, coupled with the unrelenting  hustle culture, means that many parents find themselves stretched thin—juggling demanding careers while managing the emotional and financial weight of raising children. Even those prioritising parenting face unprecedented pressures. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, private school fees can rival a family’s monthly rent, or in  rural areas, a household’s five-year income. Add to that extracurricular activities—robotics classes, music lessons, and football coaching—and parenting starts to resemble a risk-laden financial commitment rather than an organic, fulfilling experience. 

Conversations parents can’t ignore anymore  

Parenting in India today is a high-stake endeavour: the country has the world's largest child and adolescent population (434 million), yet an estimated 50 million struggle with mental health disorders, many without access to support. The crisis is starkly reflected in India’s alarming adolescent suicide rates—among the highest globally, with Sikkim leading, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Between academic pressure to succeed, cyberbullying, and the curated perfection of social media, children are under more scrutiny than ever before. For Mumbai-based mother Shruti Sharma, the urgency of  these conversations became clear when her 11-year-old daughter asked, ‘Why are some of my friends too sad to come to school?’ “I never imagined I’d have to explain therapy to my child,” admits Sharma.

A 2019 study by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly half of Indian teenagers experience extreme stress, with digital overload being a key factor. Children aren’t just learning from parents and teachers anymore—they are absorbing information and seeking expectations and validation from influencers, YouTube and social media. A 2023 study linked excessive screen time among teens with heightened anxiety, sleep disorders, and low self-esteem. 

"We didn’t grow up with this," says Rajeev Nair, father of a 15-year-old. "Now I see my son getting upset over Instagram likes, and I have no idea how to help him." Similarly, Anjali Kapadia, a mother from Mumbai, recalls her confusion when her 12-year-old mentioned cancel culture and the mindful use of pronouns at dinner.  

Popular teen-focused television shows like Euphoria and Elite depict social media culture at its most extreme—drugs, cyberbullying, and hypersexualisation. Even seemingly harmless content, like family vloggers on YouTube, can set unrealistic lifestyle standards for children, making it harder than for them to separate perception from reality.

For many parents, conversations around  mental health, social media, and gender identity feel like unchartered territory. How do you talk to a child about the impact of social media when you, as an adult, are still figuring it out yourself? How do you explain gender identity in a country where many  adults struggle to understand it themselves? 

Child developmental psychologist Anisha Mehta warns that silence isn’t an option. “Children are already exposed to these topics through their peers, on social media, or through personal experiences. When parents stay silent, kids turn elsewhere for answers—sometimes to unreliable sources. The best thing a parent can do is create an environment where no topic is off-limits and every question is met with curiosity rather than fear.” 

Talking to kids about gender, identity and consent in India 

Conversations around gender identity in India are gradually shifting. What was once considered rigid is now discussed with more fluidity and candour. Schools, social media, and pop culture have made terms like “non-binary” and “gender-neutral pronouns” more common, yet a significant gap remains between teenagers and parents. A recent study found that 47 per cent of Indian teenagers were familiar with gender-neutral pronouns, yet nearly 70 per cent of parents admitted they did not know how to discuss gender identity with their children. 

Rahul Dixit, a father from Bengaluru, recalls being blindsided by his 13-year-old’s question: ‘Why doesn’t their friend identify as a boy or a girl?’  “At first, I was livid and confused. But then I realised my reaction was rooted in my own fear of facing my biases.” 

For many Indian parents, this moment of reckoning is long overdue. Traditional notions of obedience and respect are clashing with a growing need for an open dialogue. Studies show that adolescent mental health improves when young people feel understood, making such conversations critical.  

The conversation around boundaries and autonomy extends far beyond gender.  According to the National Crime Records Bureau, a child is sexually abused in India every 15 minutes. Shockingly, 53 per cent of cases involve someone known to the child. In India, home to 19 per cent of the world’s children, every second child is exposed to sexual abuse or violence. 

“Teaching consent isn’t just about sex—it starts with everyday interactions,” explains Bengaluru-based child psychologist Riddhi Sachdeva. “When a child says they don’t want to be hugged or kissed, parents need to respect that. It sets the foundation for bigger conversations later.” 

Yet, deeply  ingrained cultural norms make this shift difficult. Physical touch in Indian families is often seen as an expression of love and respect, making it hard for parents to accept that a child has full autonomy over their body. Saying no to a relative’s hug is still viewed as impolite, even though early autonomy helps children build stronger boundaries and recognise unsafe situations. 

Bollywood and mainstream entertainment continue to reflect—and sometimes reinforce—outdated norms. While progressive films like Badhaai Do and television series like Made in Heaven open up conversations around gender and consent, mainstream cinema still lags behind.

Films like Liger, for instance,mock gender nonconformity, while Student of the Year 2 reinforces rigid gender stereotypes. Even reality shows subtly reinforce problematic behaviour—children being made to hug judges or elders on television sends a message that rejecting physical affection is rude. “When pop culture normalises these behaviours, it makes real-life conversations with children that much harder—and that much more necessary,” adds Sachdeva.

How Indian parents can talk to kids about sexuality 

With dating apps and social media making relationships more visible, today’s teenagers are asking questions their parents never dared to confront. “My 14-year-old asked me how he’d know if he liked girls or boys,” shares Meera Iyer, a parent from Pune. “I panicked because I had never had that conversation with my own parents [as a teenager].” 

Unlike older generations,—who absorbed ideas about relationships through movies and hushed conversations, young adults today are navigating a flood of (often unreliable) information online. Shows like Sex Education attempt to present open, honest, humorous discussions about sexuality, but they don’t always reflect the unique  cultural and familial dynamics of Indian families and adolescents. 

Climate anxiety: a growing fear among children

A 2021 UNICEF report found that over 50 per cent of children—including those in India—feel anxious about climate change, fearing for their future. And who can blame them? It’s not a distant threat anymore; it’s their lived  reality. Record-breaking heat waves, floods, and toxic air dominate the news cycle, leaving many children grappling with uncertainty. 

Neha Kapoor, a Delhi mother, recalls the moment her 10-year-old broke down after learning their city had the worst air pollution in the world. “She asked me, ‘Will I ever play outside again? Is this how we’ll always live?’” Kapoor was caught off guard. “She wasn’t just scared—she wanted to know if there was hope. It was a wake-up call that our children aren’t just hearing about the crisis, they’re living it.”

Psychologists explain that young children process the world through egocentrism—a cognitive stage where everything feels deeply personal. Rising temperatures or melting ice caps don’t feel like abstract global issues to them anymore; they are real, direct threats to their future.  

However, there’s a way to turn fear into action. Mehta suggests that giving children a sense of agency—no matter how small—can reduce their anxiety. “When kids feel empowered to make small changes—whether it’s planting trees, reducing plastic, or advocating for cleaner air—they move from helplessness to purpose,” she explains.  

Talking to kids about grief and loss

One of the hardest conversations parents face is helping their children process grief and other big emotions. Whether it’s losing a pet, a grandparent, or witnessing global tragedies, children today are more aware of mortality than the previous generations. Varun Duggirala—co-founder of Emomee, a platform that helps parents teach life skills through play—understands the struggle firsthand. “Today’s Indian parent is constantly balancing their child’s growth and their own aspirations. Managing both, often without a strong support system, leaves them exhausted. That’s why we built Emomee—to make learning fun and meaningful without adding to parents’ burden. From shape-sorting kits that build problem-solving skills to storybooks that tackle tricky topics like sadness and making mistakes, we designed everything with a parent’s reality in mind. We know how hard it is because we’re living it too.”

When it comes to navigating tough topics like grief, Mehra notes, “Death is not something we were encouraged to talk about as kids,but children need space to ask questions, express sadness, and process loss without being brushed off.” She advises parents to keep it simple: “It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.’”

With so many complex issues shaping childhood today, the question remains: how can parents create an environment where their children feel safe to ask difficult question. The key, experts say, is to listen without judgement, validate their emotions, and provide reassurance without dismantling their fears. Whether discussing sexuality, climate anxiety or grief, the goal isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to create a space where kids feel heard, supported, and empowered to make sense of their world.

Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids in the Digital Age

How parents respond to difficult questions shapes a child’s confidence in discussing complex issues. Avoiding or dismissing conversations around consent, mental health or digital well-being can push children to seek answers elsewhere—sometimes from the wrong sources.

Clinical psychologist Aditi Puri explains, “Children pick up on discomfort. If parents react with hesitation or avoidance, kids might start seeking answers elsewhere, so having a few go-to statements will always help.” 

For instance, when discussing consent and boundaries, statements like, “You don’t have to hug or kiss anyone if you don’t want to. Your body, your choice,” reinforce bodily autonomy. Similarly, reinforcing that “No means no, even as a joke,” sets clear expectations about respect and personal boundaries. Addressing climate anxiety with reassurance, “Yes, climate change is real, and it’s scary, but people around the world are working on solutions, and you can be part of that too.” Encouraging children to participate in small, tangible actions helps move from anxiety to agency. 

Similarly, social media can distort self-perception, with children often comparing their lives to curated, filtered realities online. Psychologist and parenting coach Meenal Chhatwal suggests, “Remind kids that people only show their best moments online. No one’s life is as perfect as it looks on Instagram.”

Conversations about love, relationships, and sexuality should be normalised, not feared. Instead of dismissing curiosity, encourage simple, open-ended discussions like, “It’s okay to be curious about relationships. What made you think about this?” Meanwhile, discussions around grief should prioritise validation and support, with reminders like, “It’s okay to feel sad. Losing someone we love is really hard, and I’m here for you.”

It is important to note that some kids push boundaries, lash out, and test limits—such behaviour is not defiance; it’s development. “These reactions help children explore identity, develop their sense of self, test the waters, and learn emotional regulation,” says Chhatwal. For children between the ages of 10 and 17, their home is a safe space to navigate big emotions. Staying patient and steady helps them build resilience and keeps communication open. Chhatwal advises, “When your kids lash out, take a breath, let them express themselves, and gently set boundaries when needed. Most importantly, remind them that your love is unwavering, no matter what.”

Just as important is how parents respond. Avoid language that shames or dismisses emotions and instead fosters trust and openness. For example: “Don’t be rude! Give your uncle a hug” can be reframed as “It’s okay if you don’t feel like hugging. How would you like to say hello instead?” Instead of brushing off concerns with “You’re overreacting—things aren’t that bad,” a more supportive response would be, “I understand why you’re worried. Let’s talk about ways we can make a difference.” Acknowledging children’s experiences and emotions creates a sense of trust and encourages continued conversations.

Schools play a vital role in emotional literacy, digital well-being, consent education, and mental health resilience, but parents can create a safe space for discussions at home. Establishing a routine “no-taboo” family time—where kids know they can ask any questions without fear of judgment—can further encourage open dialogue and trust.

How to use pop culture to talk to kids about mental health, consent, and social media

Difficult conversations don’t have to feel like lectures. One of the best way to engage kids is by making discussions feel natural and interactive. OMovies and TV shows often provide an entry point into topics that may otherwise feel awkward or overwhelming. Watching content like Heartstopper (LGBTQ+ identity), Turning Red (puberty and generational expectations), Never Have I Ever (teen relationships and cultural identity), or The Social Dilemma (social media’s impact on mental health) can organically steer meaningful discussions. By using stories and characters that children can associate themselves with, parents can frame conversations that feel less like a preachy lesson and more like a dialogue.

Beyond media, role-playing scenarios can help children develop confidence in navigating challenging situations. Practising how to respond to a classmate being bullied online or dealing with someone  repeatedly crossing their boundaries allows children to engage with these topics that feel practical rather than theoretical. “Children absorb lessons better when they actively engage with a topic rather than just receiving a lecture. Role-playing helps them build confidence in handling real-life situations,” explains Chhatwal. 

When topics such as mental health, consent, and online safety become part of regular, daily conversations rather than occasional, high-stakes talks, kids are more likely to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.

How community can help parents raise resilient children

Parenting in today’s world can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t always have to be isolating. Finding support through community networks—whether online or in person—can make a significant difference. Platforms like The Parent Tune (India-based), Parenting Science Gang (global), and Raising Teens Today (Facebook) offer parents peer advice, shared experiences, and expert insights. These communities lend practical guidance on mental health, body-image concerns, and managing anxiety, reinforcing the idea that no parent has to navigate these challenges alone.

Beyond peer support, professional guidance from child psychologists , family therapists, and digital wellness coaches can offer deeper insights into the struggles children face today. Whether dealing with grief, social media pressures, or emotional regulation, expert-backed strategies can help parents feel more equipped to support their kids. Books like Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields and Untangled by Lisa Damour, along with podcasts such as Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting, provide research-backed insights and real-world case studies that help make sense of complexities around modern parenting. 

Parenting isn’t about striving for perfection—it’s about getting the fundamentals right. There’s no universal formula, but one truth stands out: when children feel heard, validated, and supported at home, they’re more likely to build emotional resilience and seek help rather than retreat into confusion or fear. As Puri puts it, “When kids feel heard, they thrive.” Parenting today isn’t about doing it alone—it’s about building a strong foundation where kids feel empowered to navigate their world with confidence.

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