Karnataka policy for students: Karnataka has landed on a decisive step on Wednesday to address the growing menace of excessive screen exposure among school students. The state’s department of Health and Family Welfare has drafted a comprehensive policy aimed at promoting responsible digital usage among students and promoting their mental well-being, officials said.

The policy has been prepared in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and other key stakeholders, which comes against the backdrop of alarming trends indicating that every one in four adolescents show signs of problematic internet use. 

Digital dependency surges among students

Officials aware of the development have raised red flags over a surge in mental health issues among school goers owing to digital overuse, including anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, deteriorating academic performance and social withdrawal. The increasing exposure of kids to cyber threats like cyber-bullying, exploitation and grooming has intensified the concerns further. 

Karnataka policy for students: Preventive framework drafted

The proposed policy outlines a structured and school-based approach centred on early detection, prevention and intervention. It seeks to embed digital literacy, cyber safety and mental health awareness within the existing educational system, ensuring that a holistic response is awarded to the issue. Notably, the state’s schools will be required to frame their own digital usage guidelines, including capping recreational screen time at one hour per day, along with addressing instances of cyber misconduct. 

Teachers to undergo training

The state’s teachers will be imparted training to identify early warning signs of digital addiction and behavioural distress, with defined pathways for referring students to mental health counsellors. Dedicated Digital Wellness Committees will oversee implementation of the policy at the school level. The policy also puts forth monitoring systems and promotion of support services such as Tele-MANAS. Institutions will be encouraged to incorporate offline activities and ‘tech-free’ intervals to foster balanced development. A structured digital detox training mobile based on the 5C framework; Craving, Control, Compulsion, Coping and Consequences, will further aid educators in addressing technology dependence. 

The policy has recognised parents as vital partners, and urges them to enforce screen-time rules for their kids, establish device-free zones at home and model healthy digital behaviour. Authorities believe the initiative will not only curb digital addiction among students, but will also foster a safer and healthier learning environment for the next generation.

Also read: Indonesia emerges as first country in Southeast Asia to crack down on social media use for kids