Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka has proposed a draft policy to limit recreational screen time for students to one hour per day, as part of a broader “digital detox” initiative aimed at improving mental health and promoting responsible technology use.
The policy comes amid rising concerns over excessive screen exposure among children and its impact on emotional well-being, academic performance, and social behaviour. It targets students, teachers and parents, seeking a coordinated approach to digital discipline and awareness.
Focus on digital well-being and education
A key component of the draft policy is the integration of digital literacy and online safety into the school curriculum. The initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge to navigate the digital world responsibly while understanding risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation and online exploitation.
Schools will also be required to formulate their own digital usage guidelines aligned with the state policy. These measures are intended to create structured and consistent digital practices across educational institutions.
The proposed one-hour daily cap applies specifically to recreational screen time, encouraging students to prioritise academic use and reduce dependency on devices for entertainment.
Digital Wellness Committees in schools
To ensure effective implementation, the policy mandates the formation of Digital Wellness Committees in schools. These committees will monitor student behaviour, identify early signs of digital addiction and facilitate timely counselling support.
Teachers will play a crucial role in this system. The government has proposed specialised training programmes to help educators recognise symptoms of excessive screen use and intervene appropriately.
The involvement of mental health professionals is also emphasised, ensuring that students receive expert guidance where necessary.
Role of parents and teachers
The policy highlights the shared responsibility of parents and teachers in managing children’s digital habits. Parents will be encouraged to establish structured routines at home, enforce screen-time limits and promote offline activities such as sports, reading and social interaction.
Teachers, on the other hand, will be tasked with reinforcing these habits within the school environment while maintaining a balanced approach to technology use in classrooms.
By fostering collaboration between schools and families, the government aims to create a supportive ecosystem for children’s digital well-being.
Encouraging offline activities
In addition to restrictions, the draft policy promotes positive alternatives to screen usage. Schools are encouraged to introduce tech-free periods during the day and increase opportunities for outdoor activities.
Such measures are designed to improve physical health, enhance concentration and support overall development. The initiative also seeks to reduce dependency on gadgets by encouraging creative and social engagement among students.
Monitoring and safety measures
To strengthen oversight, the policy proposes the establishment of monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms within schools. It also calls for collaboration with cybercrime authorities to address online threats faced by students.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate students and parents about cyber risks, including online harassment and data privacy concerns.
These measures aim to create a safer digital environment while ensuring accountability at multiple levels.
Wider policy context
The draft proposal follows recent announcements by Siddaramaiah regarding restrictions on social media usage among children below 16 years of age. The state government had earlier indicated plans to curb the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use among young users.
If implemented, Karnataka would become one of the first states in India to introduce a structured policy addressing both screen time and social media access for minors. Other states such as Andhra Pradesh and Goa have also explored similar measures, though no definitive policy has been enforced yet.
Conclusion
The proposed digital detox policy by the Government of Karnataka marks a significant step towards addressing the growing challenges of excessive screen use among students. By combining regulation, education and community involvement, the initiative seeks to promote healthier digital habits and overall well-being.
If implemented effectively, the policy could serve as a model for other states looking to balance technological advancement with the mental and emotional health of young learners.