- Karnataka drafts policy to promote responsible digital use and mental health in schools
- One in four adolescents show signs of problematic internet use in Karnataka
- Policy integrates digital literacy, mental health, and cyber safety in school curriculum
In response to growing concerns over excessive and unsafe digital technology use among students, the Karnataka Department of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) and other stakeholder departments, has drafted a comprehensive policy aimed at promoting responsible digital behaviour and mental well-being among school children.
The draft policy comes amid findings that nearly one in four adolescents exhibit signs of problematic internet use. Authorities have flagged a surge in mental health concerns such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, declining academic performance, and social isolation, along with increased exposure to cyber risks including bullying, grooming, and online exploitation.
Structured School-Based Framework
The policy proposes a structured, school-based approach focused on prevention, early identification, and management of digital overuse. It aims to integrate digital literacy, mental health awareness, and cyber safety into the education system while involving multiple stakeholders including schools, teachers, parents, students, and government bodies.
Key Measures and Interventions
Under the proposed framework, digital wellness will be embedded into life skills and ICT curriculam, covering areas such as social media literacy, ethical technology use, and cyber safety. Schools will be required to establish their own digital use policies, including setting recreational screen-time limits of up to one hour per day and addressing cyber misconduct.
Teachers will receive specialised training to identify early warning signs of digital addiction and behavioural issues, with clear referral pathways to counsellors and mental health services. Dedicated Digital Wellness Committees will be formed at the school level to oversee implementation and incident management.
Monitoring and Support Systems
The policy also emphasises monitoring mechanisms to track digital distress and provide access to support services such as Tele-MANAS (14416). Schools will promote offline activities, including physical exercise and hobbies, alongside introducing "tech-free" periods to ensure balanced development among students.
A structured "Digital Detox" training model for teachers will focus on understanding technology addiction using the 5C framework : Craving, Control, Compulsion, Coping, and Consequences.
Role of Parents and Community
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. Schools will conduct regular engagement sessions to guide parents on managing children's digital habits.
Defined Responsibilities
- Students are expected to adopt responsible digital practices and seek help when needed.
- Teachers will integrate digital wellness into teaching and monitor student well-being.
- Parents will supervise technology use at home.
- Schools will implement policies and provide support systems.
- The government will ensure funding, guidelines, and oversight.
Officials believe the policy will improve digital literacy, reduce technology addiction, enable early detection of mental health concerns, and strengthen collaboration between schools and parents. It also aims to create safer and healthier digital environments within educational institutions.
