Screen Addiction - Classes 7 & 8

Today’s students are growing up surrounded by digital media and technology. From social media and online games to streaming platforms and even AI, tech is part of everyday life. But it's easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Screen addiction in children has been recognised as a major problem. An Overwhelming 85% of Indian parents express difficulties in managing their children's online content consumption [source](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/60-per-cent-children-at-risk-of-digital-addiction-survey/articleshow/108731984.cms?from=mdr){:target="_blank"} A study in Maharashtra found, 22% of children aged 9 to 17 reportedly spend more than 6 hours a day on screens. [source](https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Jul/27/how-screen-addiction-reshaping-childhood){:target="_blank"} A study in rural Pune found, 83.2% of secondary school children have excess screen time, primarily using mobile phones resulting in inadequate sleep. source Excess screen use can contribute to aggression, restlessness, poor sleep, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents by disrupting brain function, social-emotional development, and physical health. ### What we did in the workshop: Instead of prescribing rigid rules about "screen time," we conducted a workshop with grade 8 & 9 on the science behind screen addiction. This way students develop the agency to understand how technology is designed to diminish their well-being. The workshop prompted students to reflect on their personal experiences, identify design patterns, and develop individualized strategies that work best for them. ### Revision Materials A revision workshop for the students to reiterate the concept of “Addicted Design” before they go on Diwali vacation. [Link](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pAhGzPqI43eQuA63SyMfQk14-6dz7KdOSFQ8qR30pVs/edit?usp=drive_link){:target="_blank"} Students will get a [worksheet](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pAhGzPqI43eQuA63SyMfQk14-6dz7KdOSFQ8qR30pVs/edit?usp=drive_link){:target="_blank"} to be filled during their Diwali vacation. ([teacher worksheet with answers](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qhPOKx03XxI-Nug_EKgMjfgVDvbepGwtB5uqQHeFeJY/edit?usp=drive_link){:target="_blank"}) Students will get a [Family sheet](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fjmZ_eIvBRm7l_lpvVI0vx0vOOJLw2Em/view?usp=drive_link){:target="_blank"} with tips to limit screen time during their Diwali vacation.