Why PM Modi wants teachers to talk to parents about children’s screen time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of parents discussing their children's screen time with educators during a gathering at his official residence prior to Teachers' Day. The issue of excessive screen time has become a major concern, according to the Prime Minister, who suggested that children can be gradually weaned off electronic screens by fostering their interest in sports, physical games, and creative activities.

Modi, referring to the National Education Policy, stressed the significance of taking children outside the classroom and connecting them with real-world skills and forms of work. He urged teachers to go beyond merely imparting knowledge about the syllabus and help instill values such as the dignity of labor among children. The Prime Minister highlighted the changing urban landscape, where fewer joint family setups exist, making teachers play an increasingly vital role in children's lives.

PM Modi also addressed drug addiction, calling upon teachers to remain vigilant for changes in children, identify the cause, and assist them in overcoming the habit. "Preserving the innocence of childhood is an important role a teacher can play," he noted. This year, 82 teachers and educators were awarded the National Teachers Awards, with 48 from the Department of School Education and Literacy, 21 from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.