NCERT Module on Internet Addiction (2025)
Review of NCERT Module on Internet Addiction (2025)
Internet Addiction, Cybercrime, and Computer Use Among Students in India
Introduction
The National Council of Educational Research and Training launched its “Internet Addiction” module on March 28, 2025, to curb excessive Internet use among school students, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The digital transformation, driven by affordable smartphones and growing internet access, has revolutionized education in India but introduced risks such as internet addiction and cybercrime. The NCERT module on “Internet Addiction” addresses addiction, yet students also encounter cyber threats and engage with computers in varied ways.
NCERT Module on Internet Addiction 2025
The present article proposes expanding the module to encompass cybercrime awareness, diverse computer use modes, and precautionary measures. The present article advocates a comprehensive curriculum integrating these dimensions, grounded in empirical data and possible solutions. It assesses the revised framework’s scope, relevance across socio-economic contexts using UDISEPlus and NSS Organisation 75th Round data, and its implementation feasibility. Strategies for educating students, parents, and teachers are outlined, supported by references and FAQs for accessibility.
Revised Scope of the NCERT Module
The original module identifies six addiction types: Social networking, Online shopping, Gaming, Online gambling, OTT platforms, and Pornography. However, the present article suggests a few additional areas, as specified below:
1 Cybercrime
- ◦ Types: Cyberbullying, phishing, hacking, and scams.
- ◦ Impact: Emotional distress, financial loss, and privacy breaches.
- ◦ Examples: The 2023 CBSE fake notice scam.
2 Use of Computers in Different Modes
- ◦ Educational: E-learning platforms (e.g., SWAYAM).
- ◦ Recreational: Gaming and streaming.
- ◦ Social: Virtual communication.
◦ Creative: Design and coding tools.
3 Precautions
- ◦ Technical: Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and software updates.
- ◦ Behavioural: Avoiding oversharing and recognizing scams.
- ◦ Parental Oversight: Monitoring tools and open dialogue.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Gaps
Strengths: The revised module offers holistic risk coverage, promotes multi-modal literacy, and provides actionable precautions.
Gaps: It lacks depth on AI-driven cybercrime, detailed mode-specific strategies, and full rural applicability.
Relevance Across Contexts: UDISE+ and NSSO Insights
UDISE+ 2023-24 reveals that 50.9 percent of schools have functional computers, and 53.92 percent have internet access. NSSO 75th Round (2017-2018) indicates internet access in 14.9 percent of rural and 42 percent of urban households, with computer ownership at 4.4 percent of rural and 23.4 percent of urban. Digital literacy among 15-to 29-year-olds stands at 24 percent rural versus 56 percent urban. Urban areas require a focus on addiction and cybercrime, while rural regions need access before prevention.
Additional Points
- Cybercrime Trends: AI scams and legal recourse (IT Act, 2000) [Ref 4].
- Device Sharing: Risks in low-income households.
- Offline Safety: Analog scam recognition skills.
Implementation Strategies
1 Curriculum: Integrate into ICT classes with real-world case studies.
2 Teacher Training: Conduct DIKSHA workshops [Ref 5] and provide offline kits.
3 Parental Engagement: Distribute multilingual guides and host PTA sessions.
4 Student Activities: Establish “Cyber Warriors” clubs and use role-playing.
5 Rural Adaptation: Employ radio (PM eVidya) and mobile vans.
Educating Stakeholders
- Students: Teach practical skills via apps and “cyber-safety days.”
- Parents: Guide co-use, scam detection, and balanced behaviour.
- Teachers: Train in cybersecurity basics and mode management.
Discussion: Relevance and Challenges
The module’s urban relevance is high, given over 50 percent smartphone penetration, but rural access limits its scope (UDISE+, NSSO). Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, low literacy, and cultural resistance.
Recommendations
1 Hybrid Delivery: Combine e-Pathshala [Ref 8] with offline tools.
2 Policy Alignment: Leverage Digital India [Ref 9].
3 Monitoring: Test via pilot programs.
4 Legal Education: Introduce IT Act basics.
Concluding Observations
Enriched with cybercrime, computer use, and precautions, the existing module, if modified, aligns with NEP 2020, preparing students for a secure digital future. Rural adaptation is critical to its nationwide success.
Suggested Readings
1 CBSE Fake Notice Scam (2023): Times of India – Reports on cybercrime targeting students.
2 UDISE+ 2023-24 Report: UDISE+ Dashboard – Data on school infrastructure.
3 NSSO 75th Round (2017-2018): MOSPI Report – Household education and technology access.
4 Information Technology Act, 2000: MeitY – Legal framework for cybercrime.
5 DIKSHA Platform: DIKSHA Portal – Teacher training initiative.
6 PM eVidya: Ministry of Education – Digital education outreach.
7 ICEA Smartphone Penetration (2022): ICEA Report – Industry data on mobile usage.
8 e-Pathshala: e-Pathshala Portal – NCERT’s digital learning platform.
9 Digital India: Digital India Portal – Government initiative for digital access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NCERT 2025 Module on Internet Addiction
1 What is the NCERT module on internet addiction?
◦ Answer: Launched on March 28, 2025, it’s an NCERT tool to help students manage excessive internet use, covering addiction types (e.g., gaming, social media) and offering self-regulation strategies aligned with NEP 2020.
2 Why include cybercrime in the module?
◦ Answer: With 1.5 million cybercrime cases in 2022 (NCRB), students face risks like phishing and hacking. Awareness complements addiction prevention, safeguarding them emotionally and financially.
3 How does the module address different uses of computers?
◦ Answer: It covers educational (e.g., SWAYAM), recreational (e.g., gaming), social (e.g., WhatsApp), and creative (e.g., coding) modes, promoting balanced engagement.
4 What precautions does the revised module suggest?
◦ Answer: It recommends technical measures (e.g., strong passwords, 2FA), behavioral habits (e.g., avoiding oversharing), and parental monitoring (e.g., Google Family Link).
5 Is the module relevant for rural students with limited internet access?
◦ Answer: Partially. Only 24.2 percent of rural schools have internet (UDISE+), reducing addiction risks, but cybercrime education is vital as connectivity grows. Offline methods (e.g., radio) adapt it for rural use.
6 How will teachers be trained to implement this?
◦ Answer: DIKSHA workshops cover addiction, cybercrime, and computer use, with offline kits provided for rural areas.
7 What role do parents play in this curriculum?
◦ Answer: Parents monitor usage, detect scams, and model balance, supported by guides and PTA sessions.
8 Can this module prevent all internet-related issues?
◦ Answer: No, it’s a foundational step. It tackles common risks but requires updates for emerging threats (e.g., AI scams) and broader infrastructure support.
9 How does it align with national policies?
◦ Answer: It supports NEP 2020’s well-being and literacy goals and can utilize Digital India for rural outreach.
10 What are the biggest challenges to its success?
◦ Answer: Rural infrastructure gaps (UDISE+: 26 percent schools with computers), low digital literacy (NSSO: 24 percent rural youth), and cultural resistance to sensitive topics.
