Rising heart problems among children: Private schools urge govt to launch awareness programs

Alarmed by the increasing number of heart-related issues among school children in Karnataka, the Federation of Private Schools (RUPSA) has submitted a formal request to the state government, urging urgent measures to address the health crisis. Dr. Halanuru Lepakshi, President of RUPSA, has appealed to the Education Department to incorporate heart health awareness into school curricula and to tackle the deeper issue of mobile phone addiction among children.

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The plea follows concerning findings from recent studies that highlight how mobile addiction is emerging as a major contributor to heart-related stress in children. With children skipping meals, losing sleep, and spending excessive hours gaming on their phones, doctors have warned of long-term health consequences, including early onset heart issues.

Parents too are reportedly feeling helpless as children throw tantrums and create emotional scenes when denied mobile access. Experts have noted that today’s children, knowingly or unknowingly, are creating stressful lifestyles for themselves, staying up late, skipping physical activity, and isolating themselves due to constant screen exposure.

RUPSA has proposed the introduction of weekly special sessions in schools to raise awareness on heart health and mobile addiction. They have also requested that government doctors be officially directed to participate in these sessions, offering medical insights and engaging directly with students through interactive discussions.

The Federation wants a government circular instructing doctors to visit schools at least once a week and conduct health talks on the dangers of mobile overuse and its impact on physical well-being. Dr. Lepakshi stressed that official intervention is vital; without formal orders, government doctors may not be able to commit to regular school visits.

The request has been formally addressed to the Education Minister via NewsFirst, marking a rare and urgent collaboration between the education and health sectors for student welfare.