Muzaffarnagar students rally against excessive screen time

AGRA: Hundreds of students took part in an awareness march in Muzaffarnagar, urging families to curb excessive mobile phone use among children, and encourage reading and outdoor activities. Participants pledged to limit their own practices and encouraged others to adopt balanced digital habits.The rally, organised by Shri Girdhari Lal Jain Memorial Public School on Thursday, passed through neighbourhoods with children wearing black headbands. They displayed banners with messages such as “Save us from mobile phones” and “We want to touch our dreams, not mobile screens.”Principal Alka Jain on Friday said that the campaign aimed to address rising screen addiction among children.

“In many homes, mobile phones are handed to children as young as two years old, often as toys. Over time, they unknowingly fall into addiction,” she said.Jain stressed that parents should model responsible screen habits as excessive mobile usage is contributing to deteriorating eyesight, reduced memory retention, lack of interest in school and outdoor activities, and declining academic performance and overall development.

Students also voiced their concerns during the rally. Anshuman Saini, a Class 8 student, said the initiative was taken because many children spend long hours on mobile devices, leading to weakened eyesight, migraines and increased irritability.“Our memory and overall development are being affected. Many of us, including my friends, now wear thick glasses due to excessive screen time,” he said. “Through this rally, we want to send a clear message that unnecessary mobile phone use should be reduced for a healthier and better future.”