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Bengaluru, 24 March 2026: Nowadays, people of all ages in the country and the world have become addicted to mobile phones. Be it during gathering or any other work, mobile phones are constantly seen in people’s hands. The most serious impact of this addiction is on children. Expressing concern over this matter, the Karnataka government has prepared a new ‘Digital Detox Policy’, the aim of which is to prevent children from becoming slaves of technology.

The main objective of this policy of Karnataka Government is to teach children to use technology in a limited and balanced manner. Under this policy, efforts will be made to reduce children’s dependence on mobile phones. Especially for entertainment, it has been suggested to limit the use of mobile, TV or other digital screens to only 1 hour a day. According to experts, due to excessive screen time, stress, sleep problems, lack of concentration and other adverse effects on mental health are being seen in children.

To make this policy effective, important changes will be made in schools also. A committee will be formed in every school which will identify children with mobile addiction and counsel them. Teachers will be given special training so that they can understand the digital habits of children and give them proper guidance. There will be a ‘No Gadget’ zone for certain hours during school hours, in which children will only do outdoor sports and other offline activities. Children will be taught lessons to avoid cyber bullying, online harassment and exploitation.

The Karnataka government had taken a big decision and announced that children below 16 years of age will not be able to use social media. Apart from this, parents will also be made aware about how to control their children’s screen time at home and how to encourage them to play in the field. This step of Karnataka government to protect the mental and physical development of children in this age of technology can become an example for other states also.

(PHOTO-FILE)