Lack of Emotional Care in Early Years Driving Children Away from Home: Alarming Data Reveals

New Delhi:
A disturbing picture of childhood distress has emerged from police records in the national capital, revealing that emotional neglect, academic pressure and lack of parental warmth are forcing children as young as eight to twelve years to leave their homes.

According to official police data, 6,555 children in this age group went missing in Delhi over the past 11 years. While 6,166 were eventually traced, 389 children remain unaccounted for, highlighting a deeply concerning social issue.

Boys Outnumber Girls

The data shows a significant gender gap. Of the total missing children, 4,547 were boys, while 2,008 were girls. Among the children still untraced, 257 are boys and 132 are girls.

The highest number of untraced cases — 82 children — was recorded in 2025, followed by 77 cases in 2024. However, officials note a gradual decline in overall missing cases, from 915 in 2015 to 444 in 2025, offering some relief.

Broken Childhood, Abandoned Homes

Special interactions conducted with recovered children revealed painful emotional realities. Many admitted that excessive academic pressure, constant scolding over low marks, repeated comparisons with others, and feelings of being undervalued shattered their self-confidence.

Several children said that although their basic needs like food and clothing were met, they lacked affection, understanding and emotional security.

In cases involving step-parents, emotional neglect emerged as an even stronger factor. “There was no one to listen, no one to hug,” many children reportedly confessed.

Forced Expectations Push Children Away

Former ACP Surendra Kumar Gulia explained that children in this age bracket begin interpreting the outside world as reality. When loneliness at home intensifies, they often step out seeking emotional escape.

Investigations found that 85 percent of runaway cases involved not only academic pressure but also forced extracurricular activities imposed at a very young age, leaving children emotionally exhausted and disconnected.

Experts stress that families must understand children’s interests rather than burdening them with unrealistic expectations.

Parents Must Become Role Models

Renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Aruna Bhuta warned that parental behavior plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s mental health.

“Children closely observe contradictions in adult behavior. When parents preach values but act otherwise, it creates confusion and emotional insecurity,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of spending quality time with children, maintaining a positive home environment, and ensuring that no child feels emotionally isolated.

The findings underline a powerful message — emotional presence matters as much as physical care, and nurturing relationships at home may be the strongest safeguard against children walking away from their families.