Karnataka unveils draft policy to curb student mobile addiction

The Karnataka government on Wednesday released a draft policy aimed at addressing rising concerns over excessive mobile phone use among students, with a strong emphasis on mental health, cyber safety, and responsible digital behaviour within schools.

Announcing the framework in Bengaluru, state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao highlighted the growing impact of digital overuse on young people, linking it to anxiety, sleep disorders, declining academic performance, and social isolation. He noted that excessive smartphone usage is also affecting family interactions and broader social dynamics.

The draft, prepared by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, identifies adolescents as a key risk group, with nearly one in four showing signs of problematic internet use.

The policy proposes a comprehensive, school-based approach that integrates digital literacy, mental health awareness, and cyber safety into the education system. It calls for capping recreational screen time at one hour per day and mandates schools to develop their own digital usage guidelines tailored to their environments.

Key measures include training teachers to identify early signs of digital addiction, establishing Digital Wellness Committees in schools, and strengthening communication between educators and parents. The framework also encourages parents to enforce device-free zones at home and model responsible digital behaviour.

In addition, the policy recommends embedding digital wellness into life skills and ICT curricula, covering areas such as ethical technology use and social media literacy. Schools will also promote offline activities, including sports and hobbies, alongside designated “tech-free” periods.

To support early intervention, the policy outlines mechanisms for monitoring digital distress and providing access to counselling services, including tele-mental health support systems. A structured training model will equip teachers to address technology addiction using behavioural indicators such as craving, loss of control, and compulsive use.

Officials said the initiative adopts a preventive and scalable approach, involving students, teachers, parents, and government systems. The expected outcomes include improved digital literacy, reduced technology dependence, early identification of mental health concerns, and safer digital environments in schools.

The draft policy has been opened for public feedback and is expected to be refined before final implementation.