A recent anti-mobile phone initiative at Adarsh India Montessori School in Biria Majhola, Khatima, has led to significant concern after several students were left crying and screaming in fear. The event, which took place in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, aimed to educate students about the dangers of excessive smartphone use and screen time. However, the execution of the activity has raised questions about its appropriateness and effectiveness in conveying the intended message.
As part of the exercise, one child was reportedly made to wear bandages over his eyes, with red-coloured liquid applied around them to make it appear as though he had suffered a serious eye injury. The terrifying claim frightened the other children, several of whom began crying and screaming. The school reportedly intended the exercise as a practical lesson about the potential effects of excessive screen time, particularly among children who spend long periods gaming or using social media.
Because of it, the child then reportedly told his classmates that he had used a mobile phone excessively and that doctors had removed both his eyes. Because of the panic it created among students, watch the video here: A post shared by NDTV (@ndtv) However, the unusual method drew criticism.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, the children repeatedly said they would never use mobile phones again and pledged to stay away from them. Authorities said further action would be considered after the investigation report is submitted. (With Inputs from Vikas Kumar)
The video eventually came to the attention of local authorities, who ordered an investigation into the incident. Udham Singh Nagar District Education Officer Harendra Kumar Mishra directed the Basic Education Officer to investigate the matter and take appropriate action based on the findings. Khatima Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tushar Saini also acknowledged that such activities could create fear among children and that the school management had been advised to avoid programmes that could negatively affect students.
