The Karnataka government unveiled a draft policy focused on encouraging responsible digital usage among students to address concerns related to excessive screen time and its impact on mental health. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao revealed that the ‘Responsible Digital Use Among Students’ policy was developed in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, NIMHANS, and other stakeholders to address issues stemming from unsafe digital technology use by school children. The policy aims to enhance digital well-being, emotional resilience, and responsible technology usage through a structured, school-based approach.
Nearly one in four adolescents exhibits signs of problematic internet use, as highlighted in the draft policy. It underscores the escalating mental health issues like anxiety, sleep disruptions, poor academic performance, and social isolation associated with prolonged screen exposure. Additionally, the policy emphasizes the growing risks of cyberbullying, online grooming, and digital exploitation among students due to excessive digital engagement.
The core objective of the policy is to foster digital literacy, mental health awareness, and cyber safety within the school environment. It proposes a preventive strategy centered on early identification and management of digital addiction and related concerns. The policy envisions an integrated approach involving schools, teachers, parents, students, and government bodies for effective implementation and impact.
Among the key directives outlined in the policy is the incorporation of digital wellness into life skills and ICT education, covering aspects such as social media literacy, cyber safety, ethical technology use, and mental health implications. Schools are expected to establish their digital use guidelines, including recommending daily screen-time limits for recreational purposes, along with mechanisms to address cyber misconduct and provide counseling support.
