The Karnataka government has released a draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students,” targeting those in Classes 9-12 to combat a 25% internet addiction rate among adolescents. Developed with NIMHANS, the framework mandates a one-hour daily limit on recreational screen time, the creation of school-level Digital Wellness Committees, and the integration of digital literacy into the curriculum.
This initiative follows Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s 2026 budget proposal to ban social media for under-16s, positioning Karnataka as a leader in state-led digital detox measures.
A Multi-Stakeholder Blueprint for Well-being
The policy moves beyond simple restrictions by assigning specific responsibilities to schools and families. Schools are now required to establish Digital Safety and Wellness Committees comprising heads of institutions, parents, and even cybercrime officials.
These committees will monitor digital risks and implement a “Diary System” for teacher-student communication to replace direct WhatsApp messaging. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “We started working on this a year ago considering the increasing mental health issues… we will take this forward with further measures to protect our youth.”
Technical Solutions and Tactical Shifts
To ensure the policy isn’t just a paper tiger, the draft suggests innovative technical interventions. These include the development of “Child Plans” for mobile phones that offer audio-only options and an automatic data shutdown after 7:00 PM to prevent late-night scrolling.
Background research cited in the policy indicates that excessive digital use is a primary driver for the decline in attention spans and the rise in “technostress.” By introducing “Digital Detox Weeks” and “Offline Joy Days,” the state aims to recalibrate the student experience toward physical play and face-to-face interaction, which experts argue are crucial for adolescent brain development.
While states such as Andhra Pradesh and Goa have previously expressed concerns or introduced limited restrictions on digital use, Karnataka’s approach stands out for its relatively comprehensive vision, combining regulation with education and behavioural reform.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that true progress is measured by the well-being of the next generation, not just their digital proficiency. This policy is a vital acknowledgment that the “always-on” culture is taking a silent toll on the mental health of our children.
While technology is an inescapable part of modern life, it must not be allowed to replace the foundational human experiences of offline play and focused study. By fostering a culture of digital hygiene and empathy, Karnataka is setting a brave precedent. We must move from being passive consumers of algorithms to active masters of our digital lives.
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