Baidyanath Ram pitches for more awareness among schoolchildren against negative impacts of Internet and social media
Ranchi: Jharkhand Education Minister Baidyanath Ram said on Tuesday that a more holistic approach is needed in fight against the negative impacts of Internet on children. The minister was speaking at the National Seminar and Panel Discussion – Learning and Well-Being of Children and Young People in Digital Era held at Ram Dayal Singh Munda Tribal Research Institute, Morahbadi (Ranchi) co-organized by the Forum for Learning and Action with Innovation and Rigour (FLAIR) and the Jharkhand University of Technology.
“I want everyone to become part of this drive as the negative impacts of the digital platforms are harming the minds of the children and adolescents. Everything has two faces negative and positive. We are not against Internet, but we favour healthy use of internet and social media,” he said. The minister also unveiled a magazine titled: ‘FLAIR’S Next Gen Navigators’ themed at the mental health in the digital era.
While highlighting about the importance of awareness against cyber crime, the minister stated that FLAIR is doing commendable work in educating schoolchildren through curriculum intervention about their negative impacts and how to deal with it. The minister said that the state government is interested in introducing solution based programme and intervention in government-aided schools and assured all help for this effort and intervention.
Speaking at the function, Vice-chancellor of Jharkhand University of Technology, Dr D K Singh said that Internet penetration is among the highest in India. “So it is very essential that we have safe Internet for our children. Today children and adolescents are very prone to cyber frauds. We read news almost every day. It is our responsibility to ensure safe Internet and digital platforms for us.
Dr Singh lauded the efforts of the FLAIR in creating awareness against the bad effects of Internet.
Prof. (Dr.) Nishant Goyal, Professor of Psychiatry at CIP, Ranchi, delivered an insightful presentation on the ‘Importance of Psychological Well-being in Educational Institutions and How to Ensure It.’ The seminar also featured panel discussions on the topic, including contributions from distinguished principals , such as Dr. Subhash Kumar, Principal of Taurian World School, Mr. Rajesh Pillai, Principal of Kairali School, Mr. Niraj Sinha, Principal of Firayalal Public School, and Mr. Amit Singh, Principal of Sapphire Global School. Additionally, the panel comprised esteemed experts like Assistant Professor Ms. Rashmi Verma from Dept. of Mass Comm, Central University of Jharkhand, Assistant Professor Dr. Tina Murarka from XISS Ranchi, Dr. Santana Kumari, Mental Health Consultant, National Health Mission, Government of Jharkhand, and Dr. Madhumita Bhattacharya, Clinical Psychologist, FLAIR. These experts shared valuable insights with the students, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.
The officials of the FLAIR discussed the outline of their books and how they will help students.
Several distinguished people from academia and law attended the function. Raj Bhandari, senior pediatrician and mentor FLAIR, Ajay Sinha, executive director FLAIR, Prof Abdul Matin and Dr Bhavana Sharma, advocate Supreme Court of India, among others were present.
