PM Modi Urges Teachers to Tackle Drug Abuse, Screen Addiction Among Children

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged teachers to take a proactive role in identifying and addressing challenges affecting children, including drug abuse and excessive screen use, while emphasising the importance of preserving childhood, nurturing curiosity and instilling values beyond academic learning.

Modi made the remarks during an interaction with winners of the National Teachers Awards at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Friday, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

A total of 82 teachers and educators have been selected for this year's National Teachers Awards from three departments. The awardees include 48 teachers from the Department of School Education and Literacy, 21 teachers and faculty members from higher educational institutions and polytechnics, and 13 skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

During the interaction, the awardees shared their teaching experiences and innovative methods aimed at making classroom learning more engaging and effective. They highlighted creative approaches to connect students with lessons and enhance their overall learning experience.

The Prime Minister stressed that teachers should look beyond students' academic performance and remain attentive to their behaviour and everyday lives. He noted that with the traditional joint-family system gradually declining, teachers have assumed an increasingly important role in guiding and supporting children.

On drug abuse, Modi called upon teachers to remain vigilant about changes in children's behaviour, identify the underlying causes and help students overcome such problems. He said teachers should act as mentors and guides rather than limiting their responsibilities to classroom instruction and academic assessment.

Modi also underlined the importance of preserving childhood innocence and nurturing children's natural curiosity. He said teachers have an important role in channelising children's curiosity in a positive and constructive manner.

Highlighting excessive screen time as a growing concern, the Prime Minister urged teachers to discuss the issue with parents. He asked them to encourage parents to monitor how much time children spend on mobile phones and whether they continue using devices late into the night.

He suggested that children could gradually reduce excessive screen use by developing an interest in sports, physical games and creative activities. Such engagement, he said, can provide healthier alternatives while contributing to children's physical, social and creative development.

Referring to the National Education Policy, Modi stressed the importance of taking students beyond the classroom and connecting education with real-world skills and different forms of work. He urged teachers to provide practical exposure to children and help them understand the dignity of labour.

The Prime Minister said education should not be confined to knowledge prescribed in the syllabus but should also focus on developing responsible individuals equipped with values, practical understanding and respect for work.

The interaction was held as part of Teachers' Day observances, with the National Teachers Awards recognising educators for their contribution to teaching, innovation and student development.

Modi's interaction with the awardees highlighted the expanding responsibilities of teachers in an increasingly changing social and technological environment, with greater emphasis on children's academic, behavioural, physical, creative and social development.