D-DAD programme proving effective: Police save 1700 children from digital addiction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have intensified their efforts to bring children having 'digital addiction' back to normal life. The police are becoming the saviour of children who are addicted to online games, social media and pornographic websites. 1,700 children have been saved in the past two years.

This is done through the D-DAD (Digital De-Addiction Center) centers set up by the police. Children are freed from digital addiction (excessive use of digital devices) by providing psychological treatment and counselling for up to three months.

The centers are currently located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur City. The government has been recommended to open them in all districts. The cost will be Rs 35 crore. Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG S Ajeetha Begum is the coordinator of D-DAD.

A child psychologist and a police counsellor are present at the centers. Children will be given classes on safe internet use. The negative aspects and exploitation will be explained. The information of the children who come for counselling will be kept confidential.

Most of them 14-17 years old

• Most of the people with digital addiction are 14-17 years old. There are both boys and girls
• Counseling, therapy, and guidelines will be provided after scientifically understanding the extent of digital addiction
• There is cooperation between the health and education departments, mental health institutions, voluntary organizations, and Cybercell

Open 24 hours

You can call 9497900200 24 hours a day for questions about digital addiction, behavioral disorders in children, emotional and personal problems, learning problems, and physical challenges. The consequences of digital addiction include behavioral, mental, and sleep problems, and decreased learning ability.

Effective: CM

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the Assembly that children and youth with digital addiction have come forward for counselling. Parents and teachers are being made aware of the ill effects of excessive use of digital devices and cyber safety.

''Digital de-addiction is provided to children by involving parents. This is an effective scheme

-S Ajeetha Begum

Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG