Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka government,in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS),has drafted a comprehensive policy aimed at promoting responsible digital use among students and addressing rising concerns over technology addiction and mental health issues.
The policy,prepared by the Department of Health and Family Welfare along with the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority,highlights that nearly 25% of adolescents show signs of internet addiction,with increasing cases of anxiety,sleep disturbances,and attention-related problems.
Key Objectives
The policy aims to foster digital well-being,emotional regulation,and screen-time awareness among students, particularly those in Classes 9 to 12.
It focuses on early identification of digital overuse and promoting healthy technology habits among students, teachers,and parents.
Major Directives
The draft outlines a three-pronged approach:
Government directives to schools.
Teacher training programs.
Structured communication with parents.
Schools will be required to integrate digital wellness into the curriculum,including lessons on online safety, privacy,cyberbullying, and balanced screen time.
Screen Time & School Policies.
The guidelines recommend limiting recreational screen time to one hour per day outside academic use.
Schools are also advised to frame Digital Use Policies addressing cyberbullying,digital misconduct, and safe online practices.
Digital Safety Measures:
Each school must form a Digital Wellness Committee, including teachers,counsellors,parents,and even cybercrime police representatives.
The committee will oversee awareness programs, handle cyber incidents, and promote safe digital practices.
Focus on Mental Health
Teachers will be trained to identify early warning signs such as stress, isolation,and behavioral changes linked to excessive technology use.Schools will also establish mechanisms to refer students for professional counselling when needed.
Promoting Offline Activities:
The policy strongly emphasizes offline engagement, encouraging outdoor games, hobby clubs, and “digital detox” initiatives like No-Tech Days or Digital Detox Weeks.
Role of Parents:
Parents are advised to set clear screen-time rules, create device-free zones at home, and actively monitor children’s online activities while promoting family bonding without gadgets.
Implementation & Training:
Regular training programs for teachers and awareness sessions for parents will be conducted, with support from NIMHANS and other stakeholders. A structured monitoring system will also be introduced to track digital well-being among students.
