No Homework on Mobiles for Children Up to Fifth Grade: UP Women’s Commission Issues Directive After Ghaziabad Tragedy

Lucknow: Following the tragic deaths of three sisters in Ghaziabad, allegedly influenced by Korean culture and digital platforms, the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has taken serious cognizance of the issue. Dr. Babita Singh Chauhan, Chairperson of the Commission, has issued directives to all district magistrates to prohibit assigning homework or projects to students up to fifth grade via WhatsApp or any other mobile platforms.

In her letter, Dr. Chauhan described the Ghaziabad incident as a grave warning for society and the education system. While online learning was a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized that sending assignments over mobile apps in normal circumstances fosters digital addiction among children, particularly girls. She insisted that all academic work should be conducted in classrooms using blackboards and traditional teaching methods.

Sociologist Prof. Randhir Kumar Singh noted that guiding children to use pen and paper cultivates learning habits, whereas excessive screen exposure can endanger their future. He stressed that while online education opened new avenues during the pandemic, a return to classrooms and traditional learning is now essential to ensure children’s holistic development and safeguard their mental well-being.