Bengaluru: Children across all schools will now be required to spend 10 minutes each morning reading newspapers during the assembly, following a directive issued by the department of school education and literacy.In Dec, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had written to the school education department proposing the initiative. The additional chief secretary of the department subsequently directed the commissionerate to examine the matter.The letter highlighted concerns that, in today’s digital era, children are increasingly engaged with the internet, entertainment content, and social networking platforms. It noted that excessive mobile phone usage is linked to issues such as memory loss, hearing impairment, and reduced interest in physical activity among children.“Therefore, if children develop the habit of reading newspapers for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day in schools, it will be helpful in preparing for competitive exams, increasing general knowledge of current affairs and improving vocabulary, language style and writing skills,” the letter noted.In this context, the director of primary education has ordered all schools to implement the practice of compulsory reading of Kannada newspapers for 10 minutes every day after the morning prayer time in schools. This is applicable for all govt, aided and unaided schools in the state of Karnataka and in residential schools, hostels/child care institutions run by various govt departments.Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights former chairman Shashidar B said: “In this digital world, there will be developments every day that children should know about. The commission felt that it is important for children to know what is happening in the world in fields like politics, science, technology, sports and world events. Saying so, we wrote to the govt. There have been discussions held and action taken. It is now important that teachers are made aware of the new decision and district-level officials ensure its implementation.” He added: “It can be any newspaper. The purpose is to inculcate the habit of reading newspapers, it can be anyone of their choice.”
