Digital drain: Are our kids spending too much time online?

KOCHI: In a recent study by the National Council of CBSE Schools (NCCS), a concerning picture of modern student life has emerged. With digital devices becoming central to daily routines, the line between academic utility and excessive consumption is blurring.

Key Findings at a Glance

The survey, which captured feedback from school managements and principals, highlights significant trends:

• Excessive Screen Time: 74% of students now spend over two hours daily on non-academic digital activities, with 21% clocking in more than four hours on gaming and social media.
• Declining Focus & Health: 69% of educators report a drop in student concentration, while 63% have noted an increase in anxiety, stress, and social withdrawal.
• Reduced Physicality: 66% of authorities observed a decline in sports and meaningful social interaction among students.

Call for Change

To address these challenges, the NCCS has submitted a formal report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other education leaders, calling for a National Child Digital Safety Framework. Proposed measures include:

• Restricting digital usage within school environments.
• Mandating age verification on online platforms.
• Implementing structured parental supervision systems.

"Policy measures are needed to ensure the well-being, safety and healthy growth of students," stated Dr. Indira Rajan, Secretary General of the NCCS. As the conversation on digital regulation gains momentum, the focus remains clear: fostering a healthier balance between the virtual world and the real one.