Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 28: In a decisive move to combat increasing digital addiction among children, the state education department has issued a new mandate making newspaper reading compulsory for 10 to 15 minutes daily in all schools across Karnataka.

The initiative aims to promote healthy reading habits among students and reduce their over-reliance on digital devices.

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) had recommended such a measure after observing that children in the digital age are increasingly falling prey to mobile phone, social media, and internet addiction. Acting on these recommendations, chief minister Siddaramaiah approved the decision, with the primary objective of drawing children back to traditional reading and encouraging critical thinking.

Representational image

As per the education department's order, this rule applies to all government, aided, and private schools in the state. Furthermore, it is mandatory for residential schools, including Morarji Desai and Kittur Rani Chennamma schools, as well as all student hostels. The department has warned that legal action will be taken against institutions that violate this order.

The protocol requires students to read a Kannada daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes immediately following the morning prayer. Schools are instructed to include a specific slot for newspaper reading in their official daily timetables. Students are free to choose any Kannada daily of their preference.

This educational reform follows the chief minister's recent budget announcement regarding a proposed ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16.

The education department expressed confidence that this new rule will help students stay connected with global and local current affairs while fostering a long-term interest in literature and news.