No online classes for nursery, kindergarten and classes I to V, orders school education department on June 18, 2020. Teachers had started online lessons for children. They were working hard, creating PPTs, learning to operate tech platforms and undergoing training. However, many complaints from parents of young children raised concerns regarding virtual schools during pandemic.
New order by school education department
As per the order issued, private schools are not permitted to hold online classes for pre-primary classes, nursery, kindergarten and classes I to V. For Classes VI to VIII, online classes have to scheduled in two shifts without exceeding 30-35 minutes per session.
Online classrooms affect child’s health
Complaints regarding recharging internet packs frequently, children facing eye problems and unable to maintain proper posture while using gadgets are some of the complaints. Initially, children were excited for online classes to meet their friends and connect with teachers. But in few days, they started complaining of suffering from headaches and irritation in their eyes.
In an appeal to school education department by a Member of MP Child Rights Commission, Brijesh Chouhan, the commission stated, “Children are not mature enough to sit before a computer for such long hours and study. They are suffering.”
What WHO says?
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), children from 2-5 years of age should only be allowed less than an hour’s screen time. But schools were conducting online classes up to 2 hours.
Psychologists have confirmed that more screen time for children leads to
- Irritation
- Loss of cognitive functions such as memory and concentration
- Inactivity
- Lack of proper mental development
