Tue Feb 03 15:34:55 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Kerala Minister Calls for Deliberation on Social Media Addiction Among Students
The Story:
Kerala’s Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, has initiated a call for serious discussions regarding the growing social media addiction among students in the state. Referencing similar legislative efforts in other nations and Indian states, the Minister emphasized the pertinence of such discussions in Kerala, given its high rates of Internet literacy and mobile usage. The government is considering various approaches, including potential legislation to regulate social media use by children and awareness campaigns for parents and children, with ₹15 crore earmarked in the budget for this scheme.
Key Points:
* Minister V. Sivankutty highlighted the adverse impact of increased screen time on children’s physical, mental, and social development.
* The government is not aiming to ban internet use entirely but seeks to promote its judicious use.
* Public discussion is encouraged on potential legislation to regulate children’s social media use and the feasibility of such a law.
* An allocation of ₹15 crore has been designated in the budget for initiatives related to social media addiction.
* The Minister also announced a comprehensive accident/life insurance scheme for students in Classes I-XII in government, aided, and government-approved schools, seeking public input on the scheme’s name.
* Steps are being taken to eliminate backbenchers in classrooms, ensure fans and air-conditioning in schools, and provide accessibility for differently abled students.
Key Takeaways:
* The Kerala government recognizes the potential negative impacts of excessive social media use on children.
* A multi-faceted approach, including potential legislation and awareness campaigns, is being considered.
* The initiative reflects a growing concern about the digital well-being of children in a highly connected society.
* The government is open to public input and participation in shaping policies related to children’s social media use.
* The state government is also taking steps to improve the physical infrastructure and educational environment in schools.
Impact Analysis:
This initiative could have long-term implications for how children in Kerala engage with technology and social media. If effective, regulatory measures and awareness campaigns could lead to healthier digital habits, improved mental and physical well-being, and enhanced social interaction among students. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states and nations grappling with similar challenges related to children’s digital addiction. The ₹15 crore allocation signifies a serious commitment to addressing this issue and could spur further investment in related areas such as digital literacy and mental health support for students.
First Piper 