Direct Education Boards To Prepare Syllabus For Tackling 'Excessive Use Of Mobile Phones By Children': Rajasthan High Court To State, Centre

The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday (July 1) suggested to the Centre and state government to issue directions to all Secondary Education Boards to develop curriculum which discourages consumption of junk food and addresses excessive use of mobile phones by children by proposing time restrictions on such usage. 

The court made the suggestion while taking suo motu cognizance on the issue of malnutrition or obesity amongst Minor Children, Women and Citizens. 

'High time' government, parents wake up on excessive use of mobile phones by children

In its order, Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand observed that the excessive use of mobile phones is "seriously affecting the physical and mental health of the children across all the age groups"–toddler, adolescent, teenager or young adult. It said that continuous exposure to mobile phones, by the children of every age group (1 to 21 years) is seriously hindering their physical and mental development.

The court said that instead of engaging in physical exercise or intellectually stimulating activities like reading books, etc., children rely on mobile phones to find quick solutions to every problem or situation, which limits their thinking and mental growth.

The court said that it is "right time and high time" for the Government, Department of Education and parents to wake up and take serious & effective measures to restrict the routine and casual use of mobile phones by the minor children.

"The Central as well as the State Government may issue necessary directions in mandatory form to all Secondary Education Boards to prepare/develop such curriculum, which provides a system of adopting healthy eating habits, discourages consumption of junk food and carbonated drinks and addresses the excessive use of mobile phones by recommending time restrictions on their usage. By issuing necessary guidelines on the signboards within the school premises and including the relevant chapters in the textbooks/study material in the syllabus of the students about the harmful effects of the above habits on the health of the children, we can protect the physical and mental well being of the future generations". 

The court further said that by encouraging the children and youth to consume old traditional & seasonal foods as well as fruits and vegetables, the country can help in building good health of everyone.

Children must be made aware of benefits of home cooked food

The court emphasized that children must also be made aware of the "benefits of the “Dadi-Nani” Kitchen and home-cooked food".

It said that Homemade food, especially recipes passed down from grandmothers (“Dadi & Nani”), is highly valued and cherished for its nutritional benefits, cultural importance and its ability to connect us to our roots/heritage.

"These recipes typically use fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, offering a healthy and more sustainable way of eating. Dadi-Nani recipes are often deeply connected to family traditions and cultural identity, playing a vital role in preserving culinary heritage," the court said. 

The court said this while observing that consumption of “Junk Food” and “Carbonated Drinks” causing harmful effects upon both the physical and the mental health of children. It further observed that Government holds wide ranging powers, under the Education Act, to issue directions ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the education system and delivery of quality education, as envisaged by the Act and related Rules

Case title: In Re: Saving the Minor Children, Women and Citizens from Malnutrition or obesity which is affecting their physical and mental health'