The policy has been prepared by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with Karnataka State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and the Department of Education.
The proposal seeks to address issues such as screen and mobile addiction, anxiety, and declining academic performance by developing age-appropriate devices and operating systems that evolve with the child’s age.
Indian studies confirm that nearly 25% of adolescents exhibit signs of internet addiction, frequently reporting associated anxiety, sleep disruption, and decreased attention problems, the draft said.
Not just as a habit issue, the policy frames screen and mobile addiction as a public health crisis that schools, parents, and the state must address together. It targets students from Classes 9 to 12, along with teachers and parents, and aims to foster digital well-being, emotional regulation and screen-time awareness in schools.
One of the key recommendations is to limit recreational screen time for students to one hour per day, excluding academic use. It also suggests a ‘child plan’ for mobile phones, which includes audio-only options and automated data shutdown by 7 pm to reduce late-night screen time.
The policy further proposes integrating digital literacy and online safety into the school curriculum. Students would be taught about responsible online behaviour, privacy, cyberbullying, and the mental health effects of excessive screen use.
Additionally, the draft calls for the formation of Digital Safety and Wellness Committees in schools, involving teachers, parents, students, and even cybercrime officials. It also recommends counselling support and referral systems for students showing signs of digital distress.
The move aligns with broader efforts by the state government to regulate digital exposure among children. The draft has been released for public feedback.
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had proposed a ban on social media usage for children below the age of 16.
Key proposals in the draft policy:
Age-appropriate devices for children, including a restricted ‘child plan’ and even audio-only phone options.
Automatic cut-off of mobile internet data usage after 7 pm for younger users.
Cap on recreational screen time outside of schoolwork, suggested at one hour per day.
Mandatory integration of digital well-being into the school curriculum
Devices designed to evolve with children, with controlled operating system updates as they grow.
Classroom conversations around mental health impacts like stress, anxiety, irritability and falling academic performance.
Lessons on online safety, privacy, cyberbullying and responsible digital behaviour.
Formation of Digital Safety and Wellness Committees in schools, including educators, parents, students and even cybercrime police representatives.
Mandatory sensitisation programmes for teachers, parents and students.
Counselling systems and referral pathways for students showing signs of digital overuse or distress.
Promotion of offline activities and healthy routines.
