In Kochi, the Digital De-addiction Centre (D-DAD), run by the Kerala Police, has helped 80 children overcome smartphone addiction in the past two years. The initiative, part of the police’s social policing division, operates in five districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
The Kochi City Police reported that 210 children were diagnosed with digital addiction after undergoing a smartphone addiction test by D-DAD. Of these, 80 have successfully completed rehabilitation, while others are receiving counseling and participating in extracurricular activities to reduce screen time.
A police officer explained, “We aim to engage children in sports and arts with the support of their parents. This helps them shift focus away from smartphones.”
Tragically, over the last three years, 20 children in Kerala have died by suicide due to digital addiction. The issue is also linked to other problems like cybercrime and drug peddling.
D-DAD, launched in January 2023, offers free counseling for children under 18. The programme includes a helpline called ‘Chiri,’ providing tele-counseling for children and their parents. So far, 144 students have received counseling, and the police have conducted 42 awareness events.
To tackle the rising cases of digital addiction in Kochi, a second D-DAD centre was recently opened near the Ernakulam Central Police Station. Both centres operate twice a week, offering guidance from psychologists.
During the recent State Sports Meet at Maharaja’s College, D-DAD organized awareness programs attended by over 1,250 children and parents.
The police urge parents to play a key role in guiding children toward the safe use of technology.
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