NIMHANS expert report suggests digital wellness committees in schools

BENGALURU: A team of experts from NIMHANS has conducted a study on children’s digital usage and has recommended several measures to ensure safe online practices rather than imposing a blanket ban on social media for 16-year-olds.

The 27-page report suggests that parents, teachers, schools and educational institutions should play a role in promoting healthy digital habits among children. It recommends conducting workshops to raise awareness about cyber safety, online fraud, and the impact of excessive screen time on health.

Key recommendations include:

– Establishing digital wellness committees in schools to monitor and address digital usage issues
– Implementing audio-only mode on phones and restricting data usage after 7 pm to reduce screen time
– Discussing age limits for digital media usage to ensure children are mature enough to handle online content
– Providing training for teachers to monitor students’ mental health and phone addiction
– Encouraging students to report cyber-related issues such as bullying or harassment, to teachers
– Collaborating with cybercrime police to raise awareness about online safety and security
– Promoting outdoor activities, such as sports and games, to reduce screen time
– Implementing tech-free class times to minimise distractions
– Observing digital detox weeks to encourage students to take breaks from digital devices
– Setting screen time limits and phone-free zones at home, such as during meals or before bed

The report also outlines guidelines for students, parents, and teachers to promote healthy digital usage.

For students:

– Develop healthy screen time habits such as taking breaks and engaging in offline activities
– Use technology for educational purposes, such as research and learning
– Be aware of online risks, such as cyber fraud and bullying
– Engage in offline activities such as reading, sports, or hobbies
– Participate in digital usage workshops to learn about safe online practices

For parents:

– Set screen time limits and monitor digital usage
– Encourage offline activities, such as outdoor games or family time
– Create phone-free zones at home, such as during meals or before bed
– Have open conversations with children about online safety and digital usage
– Attend digital usage workshops with children to learn about safe online practices

For teachers:

– Incorporate digital wellness into the curriculum to educate students about safe online practices
– Model safe online behavior and promote digital citizenship
– Organize workshops for students and parents to raise awareness about online safety and digital usage
– Provide support and guidance to students who are struggling with digital usage issues

Overall, the report emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy digital habits among children and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the online world safely.