Written By: Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : August 11, 2021 10:21 AM IST
Online classes affecting health of school kids:
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes in our lives, from our eating habits to how we learn and work. Students and educators have been forced to adapt to remote classes and embrace new virtual learning apps, while companies allow employees to work from home. While some see benefits in virtual learning, others fear about its impact on children's health. Kerala State Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Monday informed the state Assembly about the health issues facing school children due to the online classes.
Citing the results of a study undertaken by the State Council of Education Research and Training, Sivankutty said that the school children who are now in their second year of online classes are experiencing some health issues. In Kerala, regular classes in educational institutions were closed in March 2020 and since then it has been on an online mode of education.
"Studies showed that 36 per cent of the students are suffering from headache and neck pain while 28 per cent have reported pain in the eyes," he told the state Assembly.
Sivankutty underscored the need to make parents aware of the use of digital equipment, and stated that more councillors will be appointed in schools.
A few states have already announced partial opening of schools. The Bihar government last week announced the opening of schools and coaching centres partially. The state's crisis management committee formulated new guidelines under 'unlock 5', including allowing schools to reopen with 50 per cent attendance of students above class 9 from August 6. Coaching centres were also allowed to open for students above Class 10, in the interest of those preparing for competitive examinations. Further, after assessing the situation, it plans to open schools from Class 1 to 8 after August 15.
Regarding the opening of educational institutions in Kerala, Sivankutty said that they are awaiting clearance from the Centre with this regard. But the schools in Kerala are unlikely to open unless students are given Covid vaccine, as Sivankutty stated, "once the vaccine jabs are given, then in phases schools will be opened."
Dr Navneet Kaur, General Physician, Apollo Spectra Nehru Enclave, Delhi also cautioned that since children are required to attend online classes for extended hours of time, problems such as headaches, neck, back, and eye pain can give a tough time to them.
"To avoid these problems, it is imperative to take frequent breaks and stretch, maintain a good distance between the computer screens or mobile and eyes, give some break to your eyes as well," the doctor told The HealthSite.
What can you do? Dr Kaur shared some tricks:
Dr. Badshah Khan Consultant Pediatrician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road also agreed that online classes have taken a toll on the children's overall well-being.
"Since E-learning has become a 'new normal', problems such as headaches to back, neck, and eye pain have been haunting children. Thus, these problems can become a matter of concern if not tackled at the right time," he said.
Dr. Khan suggested some vital tips parents can make their kids follow during online classes.
Due to new norms, obesity in children is a cause of concern, Dr. Khan noted
