Wed May 21 19:47:14 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Vijayan Warns Against Overprotective Parenting, Emphasizes Mental Health Focus in Kerala**

**MALAPPURAM, May 22, 2025 (The Hindu)** – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed concerns about youth mental health during an event marking the fourth anniversary of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. He cautioned parents against overprotective parenting styles, arguing that shielding children from failures can leave them ill-equipped to handle adversity, potentially leading to drug use and suicidal tendencies.

“When children grow up, they will stumble even at small setbacks. That is where drug use and suicidal tendencies among children begin,” the Chief Minister stated.

Vijayan emphasized the crucial role of teachers in providing counseling and announced plans for enhanced teacher training programs. The government is also exploring initiatives to promote mental well-being, including Zumba dance sessions.

He further stressed the importance of early detection and open discussion about substance abuse, urging against covering up such issues. “Substance abuse should never be covered up. It should be brought out into the open. Only then can it be nipped in the bud,” Vijayan said.

Defending recent tax increases, the Chief Minister assured that the revenue would be directed towards social welfare programs. He highlighted the state’s progress in education and healthcare, citing improvements in public schools and the government’s commitment to quality education. Finally, he cautioned against communalism and the need to prevent its spread by vested interests.

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