PM Modi Urges Teachers to Help Students Reduce Screen Time, Tackle Drug Addiction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with 82 teachers who received the National Teachers’ Awards and urged them to take a broader approach towards students’ development by addressing challenges such as excessive screen time, drug addiction and declining physical activity. During the interaction, Modi emphasised that the responsibility of teachers extends beyond academic performance.

He encouraged educators to pay attention to students’ overall well-being and help them develop healthy habits, social skills and a sense of creativity. The Prime Minister particularly highlighted the growing amount of time children spend on mobile phones and other digital devices. He urged teachers to discuss the issue with parents and encourage families to monitor children’s digital habits. Modi also pointed to the practice of children using mobile phones late into the night, saying that such behaviour could affect their health, concentration and daily routines.

He called upon teachers to motivate students to spend more time participating in sports and outdoor activities instead of remaining constantly engaged with screens. According to him, physical activity can play an important role in improving discipline, confidence and overall personality development.

Modi also raised concerns over the problem of drug addiction among young people and asked teachers to remain alert to signs of substance abuse. He stressed the importance of creating awareness among students and developing an environment in which children feel comfortable discussing their problems with teachers and parents.

The Prime Minister said education should not be restricted to textbooks and examinations. Teachers, he noted, have an important role in identifying students’ individual abilities and encouraging them to pursue their interests in areas such as sports, arts, innovation and other creative activities. The interaction took place ahead of Teachers’ Day, which is observed in India on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President and educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

The National Teachers’ Awards recognise educators for their contribution to improving the quality of education and inspiring students. Modi congratulated this year’s awardees and highlighted their role in shaping the country’s future.

He urged the teachers to act as mentors as well as educators and work closely with parents and communities to address emerging challenges faced by children. The Prime Minister’s message focused on the need for a balanced approach to education, combining academic learning with physical activity, creativity, responsible technology use and protection from harmful influences such as drugs.