Schools and parents across India are implementing strategies to reduce smartphone usage among students, addressing concerns over declining attention spans, physical stamina, and increased irritability. Educators report a significant shift in student behavior, accelerated by pandemic-era online learning, with lasting impacts on focus and engagement.
Screen Time Impacts Student Behavior
Teachers observe students exhibiting shorter attention spans and greater irritability. A chemistry teacher in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, noted a student’s aggressive reaction to a phone notification, contrasting with past embarrassment. This shift, teachers say, manifests as reluctance towards physical activity and difficulty maintaining focus during lessons.
Physical education teacher S Aravind in Tirunelveli district has witnessed a decline in student enthusiasm for sports since 2020. He notes increased complaints of headaches and a general lack of stamina among students accustomed to prolonged phone use. A formerly talented young cricketer reportedly experienced reduced endurance due to online gaming during lockdowns.
Academically strong students are also affected. A mathematics teacher in Thanjavur district observed an inter-school chess champion becoming fidgety and impatient with longer matches, attributing this to the brain’s training for constant, short-form engagement from platforms like Instagram Reels.
English teacher P Lakshmi in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, finds it challenging to engage students in reading and analysis, despite their broad awareness of global topics. She notes attention fragments after brief periods, with students instinctively reaching for their phones. The school is now conducting workshops on responsible technology use, emphasizing technology as a tool, not an escape.
Schools and Communities Implement Solutions
In Pune, a civics teacher describes students as “hyper-aware but under-focused,” easily distracted by trends but struggling with sustained class discussions. The school’s vertical campus limits outdoor activities, exacerbating issues of space and constant stimulation.
Private schools are introducing digital wellness sessions and screen-time reflections. A Coimbatore principal stated that while technology is not inherently bad, excessive scrolling affects mood, sleep, and discipline. Schools in Mumbai and Bengaluru are strengthening sports hours and offering device-awareness programs.
In Chennai, parents like Kirthana Krishnan have established device-free zones and charging routines at home, reporting improved sleep and reduced irritability in their children. K Srinivas in Nellore enrolled his son in a cricket academy to redirect energy, noting a positive change in his son’s mood and reduced restlessness.
Resident associations in Kerala are revitalizing neglected playgrounds, with parents supervising and discouraging phone use during play. These community efforts aim to reclaim outdoor spaces lost to screens. A PTA member highlighted the need for basic sports infrastructure, often lacking in rural areas.
Parents are also modeling behavior. R Vignesh in Madurai reduced his own evening screen time, emphasizing that balance begins at home.
Student Perspectives
Students acknowledge both benefits and drawbacks of digital access. A Class 10 kabaddi player found tactical insights from online videos but admitted late-night gaming replaced practice, impacting stamina. A Telangana footballer noted improved reflexes from digital games but reduced outdoor play.
A Class 9 chess player improved her openings through online exposure but found long offline games more mentally taxing. A Lucknow student found social media useful for updates but suffered irregular sleep and reduced athletic performance.
Peer pressure also plays a role, with students feeling disconnected if not online. Many students do not see the issue solely as addiction but recognize diminished endurance and consistency alongside digital benefits.
Addressing the Challenge
Schools are making preliminary sports participation compulsory and protecting game periods, even during exams. In government schools, sports offer scholarship and admission advantages, though attendance and discipline remain inconsistent.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 recommended “offline youth hubs” and “device-free hours,” suggesting platforms take responsibility for age verification and defaults. Australia banned social media for under-16s in December 2025.