Our state is witnessing unprecedented acts of violence recently. We are all witness to brutal crimes done by youngsters who haven't even grown a moustache. Some of these crimes are unparalleled, shocking even the hardest minds. School children go to school with nunchuks and other dangerous weapons. When we reflect that these students are going to become the citizens of future Kerala, many questions arise regarding the conscience of our society.

The 23-year-old Afan, who killed five people, including his own younger brother in Venjaramoodu, and the group of class 10 students who beat Shahabas, a student, to death with a nunchuck in Thamarassery, have shocked the society. When we learn that those under the age of 25 are behind the violence, the parents are heartbroken. The drug mafias that are deeply rooted in society and the films that glorify brutal torture and murder are the reasons for this current abnormal situation.

Growing influence of drug mafia

In the 1980s and 90s, the drug mafia was operating invisibly, targeting college students. By the year 2000, their roots had reached schools. Their roots had spread to the point where drugs were readily available in schools. The drug party organised by the 10th class students in Kasaragod the other day for their farewell is just one example. The students celebrated the event by bringing ganja to the school. The shocking incident came to light when the police arrived and took action following a tip-off. During the inspection, ganja was seized from the students. It was found that about ten children had used ganja. The police arrested Sameer (34), a native of Kalanad, who sold ganja to the students, on the same day. At first, the children were lured by giving them cigarettes. Gradually, ganja and chemical drugs were handed over. When the situation reaches a point where they cannot go on without drugs, they demand money. They get money by lying at home. Many arrested drug dealers have said that they are ready to become middlemen when they run out of money.

Influence of movies

While the government and society are struggling to eradicate drug use and violence among the youth, movies are giving excessive importance to cruelty and drug use. Many of the movies that grossed crores last year glorified brutal torture and drug use. These include movies that emphasised physical violence from the beginning to the end. With all these becoming popular among the youth, new movies have come out this year with the same mix.

The fact that a Malayalam movie that emphasised violence earned Rs 50 crore is deeply thought-provoking. Studies show that 40 percent of crimes in the state are committed by people between the ages of 18 and 25. Childhood circumstances, parental influence, family relationships, and friendships all greatly affect a person's life. Movies also have an impact. Instead of reading or engaging in sports, the youth are becoming addicted to mobile phones and social media.