Karnataka's Draft Policy to Limit Students' Screen Time: What It Proposes
The Karnataka government released a draft policy on March 23 aimed at curbing excessive digital use among students in classes 9 through 12.
Kartavya News Desk
Karnataka's Draft Responsible Digital Use Policy
Released on March 23, the draft policy targets students in classes 9 to 12 with specific recommendations on screen time limits, internet curfews, and school governance structures.
Key Recommendations at a Glance
One hour of daily recreational screen time, 7 PM internet cutoff, Aadhaar-based age verification, Digital Wellness Committees in every school, and mandatory offline activity periods.
What the Research Says
The draft cites studies showing 25 percent of Indian adolescents display signs of internet addiction. Anxiety, sleep disruption, and reduced attention span are the most commonly reported effects.
Responsibilities for Teachers and Parents
Teachers must monitor digital distress and promote offline activities. Parents must model good screen habits and are specifically encouraged to limit their own device use around children.
The National Legal Backdrop
India's DPDP Act 2023 already prohibits platforms from tracking children or serving targeted ads without parental consent. Karnataka's policy attempts to extend these protections to the school environment.