In response to growing concerns over digital overuse among students, the Karnataka Department of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and other stakeholders, has drafted a comprehensive policy aimed at promoting responsible digital behavior and mental well-being among schoolchildren. The initiative comes amid findings that nearly one in four adolescents exhibit signs of problematic internet use, leading to issues such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, declining academic performance, social isolation, and exposure to cyber risks including bullying and online exploitation.

The proposed policy emphasizes a structured, school-based framework focused on prevention, early identification, and management of digital overuse. It seeks to integrate digital literacy, mental health awareness, and cyber safety into the education system, engaging schools, teachers, parents, students, and government bodies in a coordinated effort.

Key interventions under the policy include embedding digital wellness into life skills and ICT curricula, covering social media literacy, ethical technology use, and cyber safety. Schools will be required to establish their own digital use policies, such as limiting recreational screen time to one hour per day, while addressing instances of cyber misconduct. Teachers will undergo specialized training to identify early warning signs of digital addiction and refer students to counselors and mental health services as needed. Dedicated Digital Wellness Committees will oversee policy implementation and incident management at the school level.

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The policy also outlines monitoring mechanisms to track digital distress and provide access to support services, including the government helpline Tele-MANAS (14416). Schools will promote offline activities such as physical exercise and hobbies, along with “tech-free” periods to ensure balanced development. A structured “Digital Detox” training model for teachers will focus on understanding technology addiction using the 5C framework: Craving, Control, Compulsion, Coping, and Consequences.

Recognizing parents as critical stakeholders, the policy encourages them to enforce screen-time rules, create device-free zones at home, and model responsible digital behavior. Regular engagement sessions will be conducted by schools to guide parents on managing children’s digital habits. Students are expected to adopt responsible digital practices, while teachers and schools will monitor well-being and implement supportive measures. The government will provide funding, guidelines, and oversight.

Officials believe the policy will enhance digital literacy, reduce technology addiction, enable early detection of mental health concerns, and strengthen collaboration between schools and parents. By creating safer and healthier digital environments within educational institutions, the initiative aims to promote balanced, responsible, and safe technology use among Karnataka’s schoolchildren.

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