Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 10: A startling health concern has come to light in Dakshina Kannada (DK), where more than 6,000 children have been found to suffer from vision-related issues. Among them, nearly 5,000 students require spectacles. This alarming trend has been observed across both government and private schools, with no discrimination based on the type of institution. The health department has pointed to the rampant use of mobile phones as the primary cause behind this growing problem.
Children between the ages of 6 and 16 are increasingly exhibiting symptoms of visual impairment. While some children suffer from mild vision problems, others are in urgent need of medical intervention. Despite repeated warnings from parents to limit screen time, many children continue to ignore these instructions, leading to worsening conditions. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s dependency on mobile phones has only intensified, and this is not limited to eye-related issues — many are also developing other health complications, which has become a major cause for concern.
In response to the rising mental health concerns among children, especially due to mobile phone addiction, the health department has launched the Manosthairya (Mental Strength) programme in Dakshina Kannada. The education department has appointed dedicated officers to address the issue, and regular workshops are being conducted for teachers and department staff. However, the lack of accurate data regarding the number of affected children remains a major shortcoming, even within the education department.
"Despite implementing various strategies to reduce mobile addiction, children continue to fall prey to its lure. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to pull them away from the mobile world. Exercising caution while giving access to mobile phones is the only way forward," said Dr Sudarshan, officer in charge of the Manosthairya programme.
"Many parents are now approaching counsellors to help their children reduce mobile usage. The problems are not limited to vision and mental health — children are also facing reduced intelligence, sleep disorders, and delays in language development. This has become a deeply worrying situation," said renowned Mangaluru-based psychologist Dr Kiran Kumar P.K.
"Mobile phone use is completely banned in schools. However, students still access them extensively at home or elsewhere. Teachers constantly educate students about the harmful effects of mobile use, but unfortunately, usage has not decreased, which is disheartening," said Govinda Madiwal, deputy director of the department of public instruction and literacy.
In Dakshina Kannada district, the total number of students from Class 1 to 10 stands at 3,27,959. This includes 62,744 students in the Bantwal division, 40,217 in Beltangady, 67,214 in Mangaluru North, 69,312 in Mangaluru South, 21,215 in Moodbidri, 47,386 in Puttur, and 19,871 in the Sullia division.