Guntur Libraries Lead Fight Against Screen Addiction Among Children
Officials said the response from parents and their children has been overwhelming: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: In an age where mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are dominating the lives of children, libraries in the combined Guntur district are quietly encouraging youngsters to exchange screens for books, creativity, and community learning under their “Say No to Cell Phones, Embrace Books” campaign.
Following Andhra Pradesh Education, IT, and Electronics minister Nara Lokesh’s appeal to children to “leave cell phones and pick up books,” nearly 92 libraries across Guntur, Palnadu, and Bapatla districts have launched a 40-day summer initiative aimed at reducing excessive screen dependency among children and promoting healthier learning habits.
The programme, which began on April 28 and will continue till June 6, includes activities, such as reading sessions, chess, yoga, meditation, painting, science exercises, games, and cultural programmes.
Officials said the response from parents and their children has been overwhelming. Mangalagiri Public Library, upgraded as a model library, has emerged as a major attraction with over 100 children visiting every day for reading and interactive learning activities.
Chairperson of the Combined Guntur District Library Association B. Vandana Devi said their initiative seeks to build reading habits and creativity among children, while reducing their dependence on mobile phones.
“In Guntur alone, around 50 to 60 children are attending regularly, while some libraries are witnessing participation of nearly 150 to 200 children every day,” she said.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over rising screen exposure among children.
Government data cited by library officials indicates that Indian children below five years are spending an average of 2.2 hours daily on screens, exceeding the recommended limits.
This is leading to health and behavioural issues, including reduced attention spans, sleep disorders, obesity, eyesight problems, and irritability.
Students participating in the camps expressed happiness over the initiative. Tammana Bhavani, a student from Weavers Colony Mangalagiri High School, said the camp has helped children read and learn chess, instead of using mobile phones.
Library in-charge Mallampati Seetharamayya said the Mangalagiri library houses nearly 30,000 books, including 8,000 children’s titles. It provides a safe and enriching environment to children during summer holidays.
Officials hope the programme would become a model for rest of Andhra Pradesh, as efforts are underway to expand the initiative statewide.