New Delhi, April 1 -- Karnataka's Department of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and other stakeholder departments, has drafted a comprehensive policy to address the growing concern of excessive and unsafe digital technology use among students.

With nearly one in four adolescents showing signs of problematic internet use, the draft policy recognises the rising burden of mental health issues such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, poor academic performance, and social isolation linked to excessive screen time. It also highlights increasing exposure to cyber risks, including cyberbullying, grooming, and online exploitation.

The core aim of the draft policy is t...