Dehradun: A private school in Uttarakhand is now under official scrutiny after a video of a classroom exercise, meant to warn children against excessive use of smartphone went viral and caused anger.
The incident happened at a school in Khatima, in Udham Singh Nagar district. In the video, students are shown a classmate with bandaged eyes and red colour around them to make it look like a serious injury. The child tells others that doctors removed both his eyes because he used a mobile phone too much, and many students start crying and look very scared.
Children Seen Crying In Viral Video
The clip shows several students in tears, shouting and promising again and again that they will not use phones. A teacher can be heard asking them if they still want to use a mobile. These disturbing scenes have led to strong criticism, with many saying such fear‑based methods can harm children emotionally instead of teaching them good habits.
Reports say the school called this an “emotional activity” to show the risks of too much screen time, online games and social media. As part of the act, colour was put around one student’s eyes before they were blindfolded, and the child then told the class the made‑up story of eye removal to frighten others.
Probe Ordered; Action Likely
After the video spread, district education officials quickly ordered a formal inquiry into how the activity was planned and done. Udham Singh Nagar Chief Education Officer Harendra Mishra said the department acted as soon as it learned about the case, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“The Khatima Block Education Officer has been directed to investigate the incident. Necessary action will be taken against those concerned on the basis of the facts that emerge during the inquiry,” Mishra said.
He added that the investigating officer had been asked to submit the report to the department’s headquarters at the earliest.
Officials said the inquiry will check the aim of the activity, how it was organised and carried out, and whether the school followed rules on children’s safety and emotional well‑being.
Any decision on the school’s or staff’s responsibility will be taken only after the report is submitted.
