Mobile phone addiction enters classrooms in Karnataka
A majority of colleges in Mangaluru district are witnessing an "addiction menace" among students, according to educational institution heads. This menace is caused by increased gadget addiction, and it is seen more often after the pandemic. Some institutions don't allow cell phones on campus at all, while others allow them with certain riders. If a student is found violating these rules, their cell phone is confiscated and/or never returned. The oldest college in Mangaluru, UG College, confiscates about 1520 cell phones per day from students who use them during class time. Cell phones are returned only after the end-of-semester examinations, with a fine. Nep batch students (those who are not yet graduates) are allowed to bring cell phones to college, but they are not allowed to use them during class. Kurian Principal of Alva's College, Moodbidri, said that "one can bring cell phones for some official work, but the same must be brought to the attention of the class head. It is never returned if confiscated."