As concerns grow over children’s excessive dependence on mobile phones, online games and social media, Bengaluru-based NIMHANS has launched a structured, community-based programme to help parents manage what experts increasingly describe as technology addiction.

The initiative is being run through NIMHANS’s SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) in collaboration with the NIMHANS Centre for Well-Being. Designed as a weekly Parent Group for Management of Technology Addiction, the programme equips parents with behavioural and cognitive tools to address unhealthy digital habits at home.

The sessions focus on two key areas. The first builds cyber literacy and awareness around mental health, helping parents understand how excessive screen time affects children’s behaviour, emotions and psychological well-being, while also enabling them to identify early warning signs. The second concentrates on communication and family dynamics, encouraging healthier conversations, clear boundaries, conflict de-escalation and relationship repair within families.

Through outreach efforts, NIMHANS has already reached nearly 7,000 parents. Common concerns raised include anger management, frequent family conflicts and difficulties in encouraging children to engage in non-digital activities—issues the institute hopes to address through sustained parental guidance and awareness.

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