Kargil, November 29/ VOL News Desk/ The Information Technology Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh has expressed serious concern over the increasing and excessive use of mobile phones and the internet among young schoolchildren. The department has issued directions to parents and teachers to ensure strict supervision and limited access to digital devices.
According to officials, IT Secretary Shashanka Ala has sent a written communication to the Secretary of School Education, enclosing a detailed advisory outlining the risks associated with unsupervised digital exposure.
The advisory emphasises that children should be allowed access to the internet only under their real identity, as many individuals using fake or anonymous identities online are reportedly involved in unethical or harmful activities.
Teachers have been instructed to educate students about: Safe and responsible internet usage, Cyber fraud and online scams, Exposure to explicit or harmful content and Risks associated with various online platforms.
Parents and teachers have been asked to maintain continuous and close monitoring of children’s digital activity to prevent misuse and intervene at the right time.
The IT Department has recommended a complete ban on mobile phone and internet use for younger children within school premises. It has also urged schools and community organisations to conduct cyber safety awareness programmes and adopt robust digital protection measures to safeguard children from cyber threats.
The advisory further calls for structured awareness sessions for parents and students on cyber fraud, misuse of the internet, and the psychological and behavioural impact of harmful digital content.
Some parents noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government distributed tablets to students for online education. However, they said that several children simultaneously began accessing inappropriate or non-academic content, highlighting the urgent need for stronger supervision and digital literacy.
The IT Department has directed all relevant institutions to implement the advisory immediately to ensure a safe digital environment for children across Ladakh.