The Madhya Pradesh government has declared a proactive stance against the growing threats of cyber bullying and excessive screen time affecting children under 14 years of age. The state's Women and Child Development Minister, Nirmala Bhuria, affirmed the administration's sensitivity to these issues, detailing a series of steps being implemented to ensure child safety in the digital realm.
Government's Multi-Pronged Awareness Drive
In a detailed reply to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey in the state assembly, Minister Nirmala Bhuria outlined the government's action plan. Awareness programmes are being systematically conducted at the school level to sensitise students about the dangers of unchecked internet and smartphone use. The initiative is not limited to schools; cyber security awareness programs are also being rolled out at Anganwadi centers and community levels to create a wider safety net.
Bhuria emphasized that practical measures have been put in place to enable children to choose safe content online. In a significant curriculum development, a comprehensive module has been created for students in classes 6 to 10. This module, integrated into their learning, covers various subjects related to physical and mental health, with a dedicated component on the risks associated with excessive use of digital and social media.
The Rising Concern That Sparked the Debate
The government's response was triggered by serious concerns raised during the assembly debate. Initiating the discussion, BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey highlighted the alarming rise in screen time among young children. He pointed out that uncontrolled addiction to smartphones and the internet in children below 14 is rapidly increasing, posing a major threat to their holistic development.
Pandey warned that this addiction is not a benign issue. He stated that it is severely impacting children's physical, mental, intellectual, and moral growth. Children are increasingly distancing themselves from creative and developmental activities like sports, studying, family interaction, and cooperative tasks. Instead, they remain engrossed in low-quality content on mobile screens, which has cascading negative effects.
Tangible Impacts on Health and Behaviour
The MLA detailed the harmful consequences, noting that excessive screen time is adversely affecting young minds and bodies in multiple ways. The list of concerns is extensive and includes:
- Diminished concentration and memory
- Strain on eyesight
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Behavioural imbalances
- Deteriorating mental health
The state government's acknowledgment of these specific threats and its launch of structured programs marks a crucial step towards building digital resilience among India's youngest citizens. By starting the education and awareness process at the foundational Anganwadi and school levels, Madhya Pradesh aims to equip children with the knowledge to navigate the online world safely before addictive patterns become entrenched.
