Online classes adversely affecting health of school kids: Kerala minister

Kerala also ditched offline classes in March 2020 amid the ongoing pandemic situation just like the rest of the country. Since then it has been on an online mode of education.

Kerala School Reopening: The teaching-learning process across the country is taking place online due to the ongoing pandemic situation. Education Minister V Sivankutty during Kerala Assembly on August 9, 2021, informed that the school children who are now in their second year of online classes on account of the novel coronavirus have reported health issues. The minister further talked about school reopening and said that the schools will open only after vaccine jabs are given. Quoting a study undertaken by the State Council of Education Research and Training, Sivankutty said that several health issues are being reported by children attending online classes.

Sivankutty stated, "Studies showed that 36 per cent of the students are suffering from headache and neck pain while 28 per cent have reported pain in the eyes. Parents will have to be made aware of the use of digital equipment and more councillors will now be appointed in schools.” Talking about the reopening of schools in the state, Sivankutty said “by now a few states have already announced the opening of schools. We are now awaiting clearance from the Centre with this regard and once that comes, then we will have to see about vaccination and here too it has to be decided by the Centre. So once the vaccine jabs are given, then in phases schools will be opened.” Kerala also ditched offline classes in March 2020 amid the ongoing pandemic situation just like the rest of the country. Since then it has been on an online mode of education. Meanwhile, the national capital has reopening schools for Classes 10 to 12. The government has also issued strict SoPs to be followed amid the reopening of schools.

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