'Doctor ne aankhain nikal di': Uttarakhand montessary school's anti-mobile phone activity leaves kids crying and screaming in fear

An anti-mobile phone activity at a Montessori school in Uttarakhand has triggered concern after several young students were left crying and screaming in fear. The incident reportedly took place at Adarsh India Montessori School in Biria Majhola, Khatima, in Udham Singh Nagar district, where the school had organised a demonstration to warn children about excessive smartphone use. As per a viral video, the activity was apparently designed to show students the dangers of spending too much time on mobile phones. But the way the message was presented had an unexpected and distressing effect on the children.

‘Doctor ne hamari aankhein nikal di’

As per the video, one student was made to sit with his eyes covered in bandages. Red-coloured liquid was reportedly placed around the eyes to create the appearance of a serious injury. The child then allegedly told his classmates that he had been using a mobile phone excessively and that doctors had removed both his eyes because of it.

The statement terrified some of the students. Several children began crying and screaming. In a video of the incident that circulated on social media, some students can be heard saying that they would not use mobile phones again. The scene appears to have been intended to make the warning memorable. Instead, it reportedly caused panic among the young children.

School wanted to warn children about screen time

The school reportedly conducted the activity to make children understand the possible problems associated with excessive smartphone use and prolonged screen time. The focus was particularly on children who spend extended periods playing games or using mobile phones and social media.

Rather than giving students a conventional classroom lesson, the school appears to have used a dramatic demonstration to communicate its message. The approach, however, has drawn criticism because of the fear it reportedly created among the students.

Authorities order investigation

As per local reports, the incident came to the attention of local authorities following the circulation of the video. Education department officials have reportedly directed the Basic Education Officer to investigate the matter. The incident has put the spotlight on how schools communicate messages about mobile phone use to young children.

The underlying lesson about limiting excessive screen time was reportedly the purpose of the programme. But presenting a fictional eye-removal scenario to Montessori students reportedly turned the exercise into a frightening experience for some of them. The authorities' investigation will determine what action, if any, should be taken against the school.