Teachers Urged to Watch for Students’ Screen Addiction, Drug Abuse
PM Modi calls for greater teacher involvement in students’ overall well-being, encouraging sports, creative activities and closer attention to behavioural changes.
NEW DELHI, Sept 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged teachers to remain alert to signs of drug abuse and excessive screen use among students, stressing that educators have an important role beyond classroom teaching.
Interacting with National Teachers’ Award recipients at his official residence on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Modi said teachers should pay close attention to changes in students’ behaviour and daily routines.
He expressed concern over the growing challenge of identifying drug abuse, particularly in metropolitan areas and large universities, where the circulation of drugs can be difficult to detect.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to address excessive dependence on digital devices among young people. He encouraged teachers to motivate students to participate in sports, physical activities, creative pursuits and other extracurricular programmes.
According to Modi, such activities can help students maintain a healthier balance between academic responsibilities and their personal development.
He emphasised that education should focus on the holistic growth of children rather than academic performance alone. Teachers, he said, are well placed to identify behavioural changes at an early stage and guide students towards healthier choices.
The interaction also underscored the wider responsibilities of educators in shaping young people’s attitudes, habits and aspirations.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over excessive screen exposure among children and the challenges educational institutions face in protecting students from substance abuse.
Modi’s message placed teachers at the centre of efforts to create a supportive educational environment where students can develop academically, physically and creatively.
