Noida Schools Limit Screen Time for Students

Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar have received directives from the district administration to limit the use of smartboards and digital screens in classrooms. This action was prompted by parental complaints regarding the potential negative impacts of extensive screen exposure on students' physical and mental health. The administration noted a significant increase in daily screen time for students, with some cases reaching four to five hours.

Concerns have been raised about potential issues such as digital eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and myopia, alongside adverse effects on behavioral and cognitive development. Guidelines from organizations like the WHO and NIMHANS were referenced. The directive mandates that screen time for primary classes should not exceed 30 minutes per student daily, and 60 minutes for upper-primary students.

Smartboards are to be used primarily as a supportive tool for explaining complex concepts and displaying visual aids, rather than as a replacement for traditional teaching methods. Schools are encouraged to revert to using conventional blackboards, greenboards, and whiteboards for writing, practice, and interactive sessions. The 20-20-20 rule for eye breaks and an increased focus on activity-based learning and outdoor games have also been recommended.