Synopsis
Title of the Study
A Study to Evaluate the Impact of Constructive Training Programme on Reducing Ill Effects
of Mobile Addiction on Health Among School-Going Children
1. Introduction and Background of the Study
Mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life, even among children. While these
devices offer educational benefits and access to information, their unregulated use is
leading to mobile addiction. School-going children, due to their developmental stage and
vulnerability, are particularly at risk. Health issues associated with mobile addiction include
poor vision, sleep disturbances, headaches, obesity, lack of concentration, and psychological
problems such as irritability and anxiety.
Constructive training programmes, which include structured guidance on healthy screen
time habits, awareness sessions, time management skills, and alternative recreational
activities, may provide a potential solution. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence
on the effectiveness of such programmes in school settings, particularly in India. This study
aims to fill this gap.
2. Need for the Study
The growing dependence on mobile devices among school children is alarming. Prolonged
screen time contributes to both physical and psychological health issues. There is limited
awareness among parents, teachers, and students about mobile addiction and its impact.
While behavioral interventions exist for other addictions, few are tailored specifically for
children facing mobile overuse. There is a need to assess structured, school-based training
programmes aimed at reducing these harmful effects and promoting responsible mobile
use. The results of this study can inform future educational and health policies.
3. Review of Literature
- Singh et al. (2020) found a strong correlation between mobile addiction and poor
academic performance among adolescents.
- Kaur and Sharma (2021) reported that awareness sessions reduced screen time in 65% of
students over a 4-week period.
- WHO (2022) has recognized behavioral addiction to technology as a public health issue.
- Studies also indicate that interventions like physical activity, digital detox sessions, and
mindfulness reduce dependency on screens.
4. Objectives of the Study
General Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a constructive training programme in reducing the ill effects
of mobile addiction on the health of school-going children.
Specific Objectives:
To assess the level of mobile addiction among school children before and after the
training programme.
To identify the physical and psychological health problems associated with mobile
addiction.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the training programme in reducing mobile usage and
improving health outcomes.
5. Hypothesis
H0 (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant difference in the health status of school-going
children before and after the constructive training programme.
H1 (Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant improvement in the health status of
school-going children after undergoing the constructive training programme.
6. Operational Definitions
Mobile Addiction: Excessive use of mobile phones resulting in physical, mental, or social
problems.
Constructive Training Programme: A structured educational intervention designed to
promote healthy mobile use and prevent addiction.
Health: Includes both physical (e.g., sleep, vision, posture) and psychological well-being
(e.g., concentration, anxiety).
School-Going Children: Children aged 10–15 years currently enrolled in school.
7. Research Methodology
Research Approach: Quantitative
Research Design: Pre-experimental (One group pre-test and post-test design)
Setting of the Study: Selected school(s) in [Insert Area]
Population: School-going children aged 10–15 years
Sample Size: [Insert Number — e.g., 60 students]
Sampling Technique: Purposive sampling
Inclusion Criteria:
Children aged 10–15 years
Regular mobile phone users
Available during the intervention period
Exclusion Criteria:
Children with pre-diagnosed psychological disorders
Those not using mobile phones regularly
Tools for Data Collection:
- Structured questionnaire for mobile usage
- Health checklist (physical & psychological symptoms)
- Pre-test and post-test format
Intervention:
A constructive training programme of 4 sessions over 2 weeks covering:
- Awareness about mobile addiction
- Time management skills
- Recreational alternatives (sports, hobbies)
- Counseling and self-discipline techniques
Data Analysis Plan:
- Descriptive statistics: Mean, percentage, standard deviation
- Inferential statistics: Paired t-test to compare pre and post-test scores
8. Ethical Considerations
- Approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee
- Permission from school authorities
- Informed consent from parents and assent from students
- Confidentiality and anonymity maintained
9. Limitations of the Study
- Small sample size
- Limited to one geographic area
- Self-reported data may be subject to bias
- Short duration of follow-up
10. Projected Outcome
The study is expected to demonstrate that a structured constructive training programme
can significantly reduce mobile addiction and its associated health issues among school-
going children. This can serve as a model for school health promotion programmes.
