Digital detox: 385 kids freed from screen addiction in Kerala

In a growing digital world, children are increasingly at risk of falling into the trap of excessive screen time, online gaming, and internet addiction. However, in Kerala, a pioneering initiative by the Kerala Police is helping children break free from digital dependency.

According to reports, the Digital De-Addiction (D-DAD) programme of Kerala Police, launched in March 2023, has successfully assisted 385 children in the past 15 months to overcome their addiction to mobile phones and the internet.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the rising issues of screen addiction, cyber traps, and gaming disorders, which have, in some unfortunate cases, led to tragic outcomes.

According to a report on social media, the D-DAD programme offers free services, including smartphone addiction tests, counselling, therapy, and expert guidance. It works with student police cadets, teachers, and parents to support affected children.

So far, 613 children have reached out for help, highlighting the increasing recognition of digital addiction, it added.