In a proactive move to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of young people, the State Health and Education Departments, alongside the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA) and NIMHANS, hosted a significant State-level consultative meeting. Held on October 16, the gathering aimed to establish effective policies and programs that foster responsible digital habits among students.
The event, held at the NIMHANS campus in Bengaluru, brought together diverse participants to explore common patterns of technology overuse among students. The focus was on identifying and implementing preventative and promotional strategies that encourage a balanced and ethical approach to digital technology.
Inaugurating the consultation, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao highlighted the detrimental impact of excessive screen time on students’ physical and mental health. He urged attendees to prioritize identifying early warning signs of technology dependence and to develop practical regulatory and preventative measures.
NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy underscored how the rapid evolution of technology has escalated mental health concerns among students. She stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, involving parents, teachers, and students directly in the formulation of policies that ensure responsible digital engagement.
The successful coordination of the event was led by Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Head of the Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) Clinic.
Nitin Anand, Additional Professor of Clinical Psychology, provided an insightful overview, detailing the various patterns and risk factors associated with technology overuse and its far-reaching consequences for student well-being.
Further emphasizing the need for structured interventions, Rajani Parthasarathy, State Deputy Director (Mental Health), advocated for a clear digital use policy for schools. She also called for the establishment of digital safety and wellness committees, along with mandatory awareness programs tailored for teachers, parents, and students.
Experts from NIMHANS, the Health and Education Departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other key stakeholders actively participated in dynamic panel discussions and brainstorming sessions. These interactions collectively highlighted the urgent need for age-specific guidelines, robust cyber literacy initiatives, and multi-faceted awareness campaigns to cultivate a safer digital environment for students.