A viral Reddit post shared shortly after the Central Board of Secondary Education Class 12 results were declared has sparked an online debate about academic pressure, toxic parenting and mental health among students in India.
The post, which included a photo of a broken laptop lying on the floor, was shared by a student who claimed that their father had destroyed the device and made them sleep on the floor after scoring 57.4% in CBSE exams.
The emotional post quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with several users expressing concern over the treatment of students after their board exam results and calling for more empathy within families.
“Facing verbal, physical, mental and emotional abuse”
A student shared the picture on Reddit and wrote, “I’m late here but my father did this after 12th results were released.”
The individual further claimed that the punishment goes beyond the broken laptop.
“And if that wasn’t enough, he took my room and bed and now has me sleeping on the floor. I have been facing verbal, physical, mental and emotional abuse ever since the results are out. (I got 57.4%, Essential Repeat),” the user wrote.
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The phrase “Essential Repeat” is commonly used in CBSE results terminology to indicate that a student may have to re-appear for certain examinations.
The post resonated strongly online, particularly among students and young adults who described facing similar pressures related to academic performance.
Reactions of users of social networks
As screenshots of the Reddit post spread across platforms, several users criticized the culture of extreme academic expectations in Indian households.
One user commented: “Indian parents stuff, smashing laptops and just showing their anger. Then they say we’re wasting their money. They’re actually wasting their own stuff.”
The same user also thought about the broader issue of parental pressure and generational behavior patterns.
“Your results are not only your fault. It’s theirs too. I’m going through this phase too. Shut up, work and just work hard. This is the only option. Indian society will never change. Until the next generation,” the comment read.
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Many users urged students not to define their self-worth through exam results and called for healthier conversations about failure, career uncertainty and emotional support.
Others highlighted how public discussions about mental health and academic stress often intensify during boardroom results season.
Performance pressure and mental health concerns
The incident has again highlighted the intense pressure on exam results in India, where grades are often linked to social status, career opportunities and parental expectations.
Mental health experts and advocates have repeatedly warned against equating academic performance with a student’s overall worth or future success.
Board results season in India often sees emotional distress among students, especially when the results do not meet the expectations of families or peers.
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The viral Reddit discussion also reignited the debate about how punishment-based parenting methods can affect a child’s self-esteem, emotional well-being and long-term mental health.
Several online users described the need to “break the generational curse” of responding to academic setbacks with humiliation or abuse.
CBSE Class 12 Results this year
The CBSE Class 12 results were officially declared on May 13.
According to the official data released by the commission, around 17,80,365 students appeared for the exams this year.
Of these, 17,68,968 students appeared for the exams, approximately 15,07,109 students passed.
The results again sparked widespread online discussion, with students sharing celebrations, disappointments, anxiety and personal stories across social media platforms.
