Schools across Noida and Greater Noida have been directed to limit daily screen time for students after parents' associations raised concerns over children spending several hours using smart and digital boards in classrooms.
Screen time capped for students
The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration said the directions apply to all government, aided and private schools in the district. Under the new guidelines, screen time "does not exceed 30 minutes in primary classes and 60 minutes in upper-primary classes."
The administration said parents had complained that smart and digital boards were being used continuously for teaching, including displaying textbooks, conducting classwork, question-answer sessions and homework.
"Smart and digital boards are a supplementary medium to make teaching more effective, but their continuous and unnecessary use should not affect the health, studies, sports and other activities of students," the administration said.
Smart boards to be used selectively
Schools have been told to use smart boards mainly "for explaining difficult concepts and displaying pictures, videos and necessary teaching material" instead of keeping textbooks displayed throughout lessons.
For writing, practice, question-answer sessions and activities requiring student participation, schools have been asked to regularly use blackboards, whiteboards or greenboards.
The guidelines call for "limited, balanced and purposeful use of smart boards and digital boards" while keeping students' health and overall development in mind.
Breaks and eye checks made mandatory
The administration has also directed schools to "maintain screen brightness and classroom lighting appropriately", ensure students sit at a proper distance from screens and "provide breaks after about 20 minutes of screen use".
For online classes, schools have been asked to follow NCERT guidelines on session duration and breaks, along with the 20-20-20 practice. Under this, students should look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen use.
Schools have also been asked to conduct quarterly eye examinations and share the reports with parents.
Digital-free periods encouraged
The administration has urged schools to promote reading, writing, sports, group activities and physical exercise. Schools have also been encouraged to introduce "digital-free periods, digital zero days and digital detox" activities.
If students develop symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches or blurred vision, parents should be informed and medical advice sought where necessary.
Designated magistrates and nodal officers will monitor compliance and submit reports through the District Inspector of Schools, Gautam Buddh Nagar.