News & Events

De Care – Vincentian Social Services, Kottayam : SMART SCREEN PROJECT – FROM SCHOOLS TO THE COMMUNITY

A major milestone was achieved with the launch of the community-level intervention of the SMART SCREEN Project at Karakulam Grama Panchayat and Bharananganam Panchayath.Initially implemented in schools, the project has now expanded into the community, making these panchayaths among the first in India to introduce a structured public-health-oriented model addressing excessive screen dependence among children and adolescents.Moving beyond classrooms, the initiative now engages parents, families, educators, ASHA workers, local leaders, and the wider community to build healthier digital habits together.

As part of the first phase, orientation and consultation meetings were conducted with key stakeholders and frontline community representatives, including ASHA workers and school headmistresses. Their involvement is crucial in promoting awareness and positive behavioural change within families and communities.

Rooted in the Socio-Ecological Theory, this new community-based model recognizes that digital well-being is a shared responsibility. The project also aims to initiate policy-level discussions with key government stakeholders, considering excessive screen dependence as an emerging public health concern.

From individuals to families, from families to communities — together we build a Screen-Smart Future.