A school in Uttarakhand has come under scrutiny after an unusual anti-mobile phone awareness activity reportedly left several children crying and screaming in fear.
The incident took place at Adarsh India Montessori School in Biria Majhola, Khatima, in Udham Singh Nagar district. The school had organised the activity to warn students about excessive smartphone use and prolonged screen time.
Child Shown With Fake Eye Injury
As part of the exercise, a child was reportedly made to wear bandages over the eyes, with red-coloured liquid applied around them to make it appear as though the child had suffered a serious eye injury.
The child then reportedly told classmates that excessive mobile phone use had resulted in doctors removing both his eyes.
The dramatic demonstration frightened several students. A video of the incident that circulated on social media showed children crying and screaming, with some repeatedly saying that they would never use mobile phones again.
School Wanted To Warn Against Excessive Screen Time
The school reportedly intended the activity to demonstrate the possible consequences of excessive smartphone use.
The programme was particularly aimed at children who spend long periods using mobile phones for gaming, social media and other activities.
Instead of a conventional classroom lesson, the school appears to have used a dramatic role-play exercise to make its message memorable.
However, the method reportedly had an unintended effect, with children becoming visibly distressed during the activity.
Video Sparks Concern
The incident attracted widespread attention after footage of the exercise circulated online.
The video showed several young students appearing frightened and emotional. Some children were heard promising that they would not use mobile phones again.
The incident subsequently came to the attention of local authorities, who ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the activity.
Education Department Orders Inquiry
Udham Singh Nagar District Education Officer Harendra Kumar Mishra directed the Basic Education Officer to investigate the incident.
Officials said appropriate action would be considered based on the findings of the inquiry.
Khatima Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tushar Saini also expressed concerns about activities that could create fear among children. The school management was reportedly advised to avoid programmes that could negatively affect students.
Questions Over Fear-Based Awareness
The incident has raised questions about how schools should educate young children about excessive smartphone use.
Concerns over children’s screen time are increasingly common, particularly as smartphones, online gaming and social media become more accessible to younger users.
However, awareness activities involving frightening imagery can have a very different effect depending on a child’s age and understanding.
In this case, the authorities’ inquiry is expected to examine how the activity was planned and conducted and whether the approach was appropriate for the students involved.
Schools Face Growing Screen-Time Challenge
Schools and parents are increasingly trying to help children develop healthier digital habits.
Mobile phones can provide educational and communication benefits, but excessive use can also interfere with physical activity, sleep, studies and face-to-face interaction.
The challenge for schools is therefore to communicate these risks in a way that children can understand without creating unnecessary fear.
The Uttarakhand incident has put renewed attention on the need for age-appropriate and sensitive methods when conducting awareness programmes for young students.
Summary
An anti-mobile phone awareness activity at a school in Khatima, Uttarakhand, reportedly left several children crying and screaming after a child was presented with bandaged eyes and made to claim that doctors had removed them because of excessive mobile use. Authorities have ordered an inquiry and advised against activities that could frighten or negatively affect students.
