An unusual school activity intended to warn children about excessive mobile phone use has left several students crying and screaming, prompting an official inquiry in Uttarakhand.
Fake eye injury frightens students
The incident reportedly took place at Adarsh India Montessori School in Biria Majhola, Khatima, in Udham Singh Nagar district. As part of the activity, a child was shown with bandages covering the eyes, while red-coloured liquid was applied around them to make the injury appear serious.
The child then reportedly told classmates that doctors had removed both his eyes because he had used a mobile phone excessively. Several children became visibly frightened, with a video showing students crying, screaming and promising not to use mobile phones.
The school reportedly intended the exercise as an awareness activity about excessive smartphone use, online gaming and social media. However, the distress caused among students led to criticism of the method used.
Authorities order inquiry
The incident came to the attention of local authorities after the video circulated widely on social media. Udham Singh Nagar District Education Officer Harendra Kumar Mishra directed the Basic Education Officer to investigate the circumstances surrounding the activity. Further action is expected to depend on the findings of the inquiry.
Khatima Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tushar Saini also said activities that could create fear among children should be avoided, according to NDTV.
The episode has renewed attention on how schools can teach children about responsible technology use while ensuring that awareness programmes remain age-appropriate and do not cause unnecessary distress.