On March 7, 2024, Don Bosco High School and Jr. College Naigaon hosted an awareness programme on ‘Cell Phone Addiction’. With the capable assistance of vice-principal Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, facilitated by computer teacher Mrs. Leena Dcruz, approximately 185 ninth-grade students attended the seminar.
Smartphones have become common in our society and its overuse and even addiction have grown to be serious worldwide problems. The seminar shed light on the benefits and drawbacks of smartphone addiction, as well as the risks and negative consequences it poses to one’s academic performance, physical and mental well-being. Power Point Presentations were given on a range of subjects related to phone addiction, including “The impact of smartphones on society” and “How wise we are with our Smartphones?”
The vice-principal, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes in his address cautioned the students on the over usage of the cell phone and shed light on its detrimental effects.
Each student received a questionnaire at the end, and their unique answers revealed a research analysis that was clearly indicative of their smartphone addiction. The research finding also supported that smartphone addiction had negative impacts not only on students’ physical and mental health but also on their academic performance. Some students experienced neck, shoulder and hand pain since they used their smartphone playing games, chatting or surfing the internet for long hours.
Students came on stage and spoke about the long hours they spend on social media and were able to explain to their peers how playing particular games on the cell phone affected their feelings and behaviour towards others.
Overall, the session was educational and engaging, raising students’ knowledge of the risks associated with excessive smartphone use.
By – Mrs. Dorothy Fernandes
