In Halaga village, Belagavi taluk, Karnataka, villagers have initiated a ‘Digital Off’ experiment to reduce excessive screen time among children and enhance focus during study hours. Inspired by a similar movement in Maharashtra, this campaign aims to combat the increasing addiction to mobile phones and television across all age groups. Every evening at 7 PM, a siren from the Gram Panchayat office signals a two-hour blackout of all digital devices, with villagers voluntarily switching off TVs and mobile phones from 7 PM to 9 PM to prioritize education and household activities.
The timing of this initiative is crucial, especially for students gearing up for SSLC exams, as parents are urged to ensure their children remain undistracted and focused on studying during this period. Women in the village have also embraced this change, moving away from regular TV serial consumption. A former Gram Panchayat President emphasized the educational intent behind this experiment, aiming to establish a disciplined learning environment for children and safeguard them from excessive screen exposure.
Local resident Rohit Yallurkar highlighted the positive impact of the daily two-hour digital detox on children’s educational focus, illustrating how this initiative has garnered strong support within the village. The ‘Digital Off’ campaign not only enjoys widespread backing from villagers but also sets an example for other communities grappling with technology overuse issues. It serves as a beacon, encouraging similar initiatives in different areas to promote a study-centric approach among children.
