Uttarakhand School’s Anti-Mobile Phone Activity Leaves Students Scared
Khatima, Uttarakhand — September 2026: An awareness programme organised at a private school in Khatima, Uttarakhand, to discourage excessive mobile-phone use left several students frightened and in tears. A video of the activity later circulated on social media, prompting education authorities to order an inquiry.
BY LINE: SAGUFTA RANI
What Happened?
The incident took place at a private school in Khatima, in Udham Singh Nagar district. The school organised an activity to make students aware of the possible effects of excessive smartphone use, online gaming and social media.
As part of the activity, a child took part in a doctor-and-patient role-play. The child’s eyes were covered with bandages, and coloured material was reportedly applied around the eyes to make the scene appear like an injury.
The child then told other students that excessive mobile-phone use had resulted in doctors removing both his eyes. The dramatic presentation frightened several students, with some children seen crying and screaming in a video that later circulated online.
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Why Did the School Conduct the Activity?
According to reports, the programme was organised after parents and local residents raised concerns about children spending increasing amounts of time on mobile phones.
The school said the activity was intended to discourage excessive smartphone use and encourage children to spend more time on studies and outdoor activities. The programme included students acting as doctors and patients to demonstrate what the school described as possible effects of excessive screen use.
Some parents reportedly appreciated the message after their children returned home and talked about reducing their mobile-phone use. However, the way the message was presented also attracted criticism because several students appeared frightened during the activity.
A Bigger Question: How Should Children Be Taught About Screen Time?
The incident has raised questions about how schools should conduct awareness programmes for young children.
Teaching students about responsible mobile-phone use can be part of digital and health awareness. However, activities involving young children need to be carefully planned and age-appropriate. Reports also quoted a child psychologist questioning the use of frightening imagery in such awareness programmes.
The inquiry will examine how the activity was planned and conducted and whether appropriate safeguards were followed. The responsibility of the school or its staff, if any, will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
What This Incident Raises?
The Uttarakhand incident has brought attention to a growing conversation around children’s mobile-phone use and the way schools communicate about it.
Mobile phones can be useful for education and communication, but children also need guidance about balanced screen use. Awareness programmes can help students understand responsible digital habits, while schools and parents can use age-appropriate discussions and practical guidance rather than creating unnecessary fear.
The ongoing inquiry will provide further clarity about the circumstances of the activity and whether any action is required.