Digital Detox Training for Vijayawada Teachers

The IT Wing of Brahma Kumaris successfully organized a Digital Wellness Awareness and Training Program for Brahma Kumaris (BK) teachers and students in Vijayawada on the 31st of August and 1st of September, 2024. The two-day training event was specifically designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct digital wellness sessions in schools and colleges across the region. The training saw an attendance of around 60 participants, all eager to learn about the increasingly relevant issue of digital addiction and its profound effects on mental and physical well-being.

The program was conducted by BK Bala Kishore, an expert in Digital Wellness. The training was structured around several critical topics, including the concept of Digital Addiction—its negative impact on the mind, brain, and body, as well as practical strategies to overcome this modern challenge. BK Bala Kishore provided in-depth guidance on Digital Detox techniques, emphasizing the need for participants to practice mindful engagement with digital devices while promoting mental clarity and emotional balance.

Key Focus Areas

• Digital Addiction: The program delved into the various ways digital addiction affects human behavior and cognition, drawing attention to the addictive nature of digital platforms. The participants learned how excessive screen time can negatively affect cognitive functions, emotional stability, and physical health.
• Impact on Mind and Body: Participants were educated on how constant exposure to screens and digital media overstimulates the brain, leading to mental fatigue, lack of focus, and emotional imbalances. The adverse effects on physical health, including poor posture, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns, were also discussed.
• Digital Detox Techniques: The training emphasized the importance of incorporating regular digital detox practices to maintain a healthy relationship with technology. Techniques such as scheduled breaks from devices, digital-free time zones, and practicing mindfulness in daily activities were presented as ways to regain control over one’s digital habits.
• Chitra Pradarshini for Concept Explanation: One of the unique aspects of this training program was the introduction of Chitra Pradarshini (visual displays) as an educational tool. BK Bala Kishore explained how this technique could be used to effectively convey the message of Digital Wellness to a broader audience, particularly students in schools and colleges. The visual aids served as a powerful way to communicate complex ideas around digital addiction and its solutions in a more engaging and relatable manner.

Event Highlights

The two-day program in Vijayawada stood out for its interactive approach, encouraging participants to not only absorb information but also to engage in discussions and activities aimed at personalizing the digital detox strategies. The smaller group size of 60 attendees allowed for more intimate and personalized guidance, ensuring that each participant had the opportunity to share their concerns and gain tailored solutions for their unique challenges with digital overuse.

Participants were also provided with practical tools to conduct their own Digital Wellness sessions in their respective schools and colleges. They were given a set of guidelines and resources, including the use of Chitra Pradarshini, which will aid them in explaining these concepts effectively to students. The goal of the program was not only to educate the participants but also to enable them to become Digital Wellness ambassadors, spreading awareness and promoting healthier digital habits in the larger community.

Feedback from Participants

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the training helped them gain new perspectives on the pervasive issue of digital addiction. Several teachers noted that the insights shared during the session would be invaluable when conducting sessions for students who are often the most vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive digital consumption. The use of visual aids like Chitra Pradarshini was also highly appreciated for its ability to simplify complex ideas and make them more accessible to younger audiences.