NOIDA: Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar have been directed to ensure limited and balanced use of smartboards and digital boards in classrooms, with the district administration warning against excessive screen exposure among students.In a circular, district magistrate Medha Roopam said the directive followed complaints from the parents that the mental and physical health of students was not receiving adequate attention during smart-class teaching. The parent association reported that some schools were directly displaying textbooks on pre-loaded smartboards and using digital screens extensively for classwork, question-answer sessions and homework.The circular noted that the average screen exposure of students had risen to four to five hours a day in some cases, while the use of conventional blackboards, greenboards and whiteboards had become limited. It also raised concerns over inadequate attention to backlight and screen settings on digital boards.Citing guidelines issued from time to time by the World Health Organization (WHO) and NIMHANS, the administration said excessive screen use could contribute to digital eye strain, headaches, dry eyes and myopia at an early age. It also referred to possible adverse effects on students’ behavioural, cognitive and intellectual development.The administration directed schools to ensure that screen time in primary classes does not exceed 30 minutes per student per day and 60 minutes for upper-primary students. Schools were also asked to follow PRAGYATA guidelines during online classes.The circular said smartboards should be used “primarily as a supporting medium” for explaining difficult concepts, displaying pictures, videos and other essential teaching material, rather than being made mandatory for every subject or classroom activity.It further directed schools to regularly use conventional boards for writing, practice, question-answer sessions and participatory activities. “Smartboards should never be a complete substitute for traditional teaching methods,” the circular stated, stressing the need for interactive and participatory teaching instead of constantly displaying textbooks on screens.Schools have also been asked to avoid using the backlight when smartboards are being used only for writing, so that such activity does not unnecessarily add to students’ screen time.The administration prescribed the 20-20-20 rule, under which students should be given a break after every 20 minutes of screen exposure and encouraged to look at an object around 20 feet away for a short period.It also called for greater emphasis on activity-based learning, stretching, outdoor games and sports, besides reading, writing, storytelling and group activities.
