Karnataka proposes 1-hour daily screen limit for students to tackle rising addiction concerns
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The Karnataka government has released a draft policy proposing a one-hour daily limit on leisure screen time for students, as part of efforts to address growing concerns over screen addiction among youth.
The policy, developed jointly by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, aims to promote responsible digital engagement and improve students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Targeting students in Grades 9 to 12, along with teachers and parents, the proposal outlines a three-pronged approach involving government guidelines for schools, structured teacher training, and active parental involvement. Schools will be required to integrate digital wellness into the curriculum, covering online safety, privacy, cyberbullying, and maintaining a balance in screen use.
The draft comes amid increasing evidence linking excessive technology use to psychological and emotional issues. It cites research indicating that nearly 25 percent of teenagers show signs of internet dependency, often associated with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced attention spans.
A key recommendation is to limit non-educational screen time to one hour per day. Schools are also encouraged to set up digital wellness committees comprising teachers, counsellors, parents, and cybercrime representatives to monitor digital habits and address concerns.
The policy calls for early identification of warning signs such as behavioural changes, social withdrawal, and declining academic performance. Teachers will be trained to recognise these indicators and guide students to appropriate support, including counselling.
It also promotes offline engagement through mandatory outdoor activities, interest clubs, and initiatives such as No-Technology Days and Offline Joy programmes. Schools are advised to restrict direct messaging with students and rely on traditional communication methods like diary systems.