LISSUN, one of India’s leading mental health platforms, conducted a survey across 10,000 individuals to study child mental health ecosystem and has released the findings of its latest pan-India survey examining parental awareness and attitudes toward children’s mental health. A striking 68% of parents believe that schools must introduce mandatory, regular counselling sessions at an early age to ensure children’s safe and managed emotional and mental development. The study, conducted by LISSUN across urban and semi-urban regions, sheds light on the growing concern among Indian parents about their children’s psychological wellbeing in an increasingly digital and high-pressure environment.
One of the most concerning takeaways from the survey is that 48% of parents feel neutral or unsure about identifying signs of mental illness in their children. The findings indicate a critical gap in parental awareness, highlighting the need for proactive mental and emotional health education and support structures. When asked about the most prominent causes affecting children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, social media and peer pressure topped the list for 35.8% of parents, followed by academic pressure (27.4%), bullying (20.8%), and family-related stress (11.3%). In addition to these external factors, the survey also revealed that other mental health challenges, such as depression, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), and learning disabilities, are notably impacting children.
Commenting on the survey, Dr. Krishna Veer Singh, Co-founder and CEO of LISSUN, said, “Our latest study reveals some alarming data on lack of awareness amongst parents about identifying and dealing with mental health challenges by their children, spotlighting a pressing need to integrate mental health support within educational ecosystems. Children today are exposed to unprecedented levels of digital exposure, coupled with academic demands, and social comparison. Yet, many parents remain under-equipped to spot early warning signs of mental distress. It is essential that schools become active partners in Mental and emotional wellness by addressing the needs proactively and running sensitization programs for both students and parents. At LISSUN, we believe that mental and emotional health is as foundational as physical health and that early intervention is the key to long-term emotional resilience and academic success.”
The study also shows that 27.4% of parents want schools to appoint dedicated counselors, while 25.5% advocate for regular mental health awareness programs for students. Workshops for parents and stress management activities for children were suggested by 20.8% of respondents each, reinforcing the belief that a collective, community-based approach is vital. Approx. 40% of parents rarely talk to their kids about their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Moreover, the survey reveals that 48.1% of parents believe their children spend excessive time on screens, with many turning to online sources for mental health guidance. While the internet serves as a readily available resource, it also presents the risk of misinformation, reinforcing the importance of professional, institutional, and expert-led interventions.
In response to this urgent need for child-centric mental health services, LISSUN’s specialized division, Sunshine by LISSUN, offers a comprehensive suite of solutions. Focused on developmental and behavioral health in children, Sunshine provides diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation programs through a multidisciplinary team of child psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, and special educators. Embracing an Omnichannel model that blends technology with top-tier physical infrastructure, Sunshine delivers accessible and holistic care to children and their families. Currently operating across 20+ centers, Sunshine aims to expand to 40 centers and reach 15000 children by the end of 2025.
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