Explained | What Karnataka’s digital use draft policy for students proposes

Karnataka government has sought feedback on its Draft Policy for Responsible Digital Use Among Students to curb screen addiction among teens.

With an aim to regulate students' digital habits, Karnataka recently proposed to ban social media platforms for children up to the age of 16.

Now, in another move to curb screen addiction among adolescents, the state has invited feedback on its draft policy for responsible digital use among students, which was officially unveiled on Wednesday (April 1).

The move comes amid growing concerns over technology addiction, mental health issues, and cyber risks among teens. The draft notes that nearly 25 per cent of adolescents show signs of internet addiction, often linked to anxiety, sleep disturbances and poor concentration.

Framed by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority and NIMHANS, the policy targets students from Classes 9 to 12 and aims to promote digital well-being, emotional regulation, and balanced screen use.

What the draft policy proposes:

1. Limits on screen time and digital access: The draft recommends recreational screen time to be restricted to a maximum of one hour per day (excluding academic use). It has also advised schools to frame Digital Use Policies defining usage rules and introduction of tech-free periods during school hours.

2. Tighter regulation of social media and online behaviour: Schools are advised to establish protocols for cyberbullying and digital misconduct. Students are to be educated on digital citizenship, online etiquette, and privacy, as well as on awareness of risks such as grooming, sextortion, hacking, and misinformation.

3. AI use guidelines in classrooms: The draft also proposes that schools develop clear guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence tools in academic settings. This includes setting protocols for the use of AI in homework and assignments, along with mechanisms to check plagiarism.

The policy emphasises the need to promote ethical and responsible use of AI among students, ensuring that technology supports learning without compromising academic integrity.

4. Digital wellness committees in every school: The policy mandates that every school constitute a Digital Safety and Wellness Committee comprising the principal or vice-principal, teachers, counsellors, and, where possible, parent and student representatives, along with cybercrime police personnel.

These committees will be responsible for monitoring student behaviour, addressing cyber incidents, conducting awareness programmes, and overseeing the implementation of digital detox initiatives within the school.

5. Early identification of ‘digital distress’: A key focus of the draft is early detection of problematic technology use. Teachers would be trained to identify warning signs such as attention and concentration issues, loneliness, stress, boredom, and social isolation linked to excessive screen time.

Schools are expected to maintain confidential records of such cases, refer students to counsellors or mental health professionals when required, and actively encourage help-seeking behaviour among students.

6. Mandatory training for teachers and parents: The policy calls for structured training programmes for teachers to help them understand and manage digital behaviour among students.

This includes recognising patterns of technology addiction through frameworks such as the "5C" model (craving, control, compulsion, coping, and consequences) as well as managing classroom digital use.

Schools are also expected to conduct regular workshops for parents on screen-time management, online safety, and handling excessive device use among children.

7. Push for digital detox and offline engagement: To reduce dependency on screens, the draft strongly promotes offline engagement through daily physical activity and outdoor play. Schools are encouraged to introduce dedicated tech-free periods in their schedules and organise initiatives such as 'Digital Detox Days' or 'Offline Weeks'. The policy also stresses the importance of encouraging hobbies like music, art, reading, and community interaction to foster healthier routines.

8. Parental role: The draft places significant responsibility on parents to regulate digital use at home. It advises setting clear screen-time rules and routines, creating device-free zones such as bedrooms and dining areas, and enforcing no-screen periods before bedtime.

Parents are also encouraged to promote offline social interaction and family bonding, while modelling responsible technology use themselves.

9. Monitoring, reporting and legal awareness: Schools are expected to actively monitor instances of cyberbullying and online harm, and ensure timely intervention. The policy also stresses the importance of educating students about the legal consequences of online behaviour.

It recommends collaboration with cybercrime police units and promotes the use of helplines such as Tele-MANAS (14416) to provide accessible mental health support.

10. Proposed tech and regulatory interventions: Beyond schools and families, the government is also exploring broader technological and regulatory measures. These include the development of age-appropriate devices for children, “child plans” with restricted internet access such as time-based cut-offs, and collaboration with technology companies to create safer digital ecosystems. Measures to limit exposure to harmful content are also under consideration.