A recent survey has revealed that students in rural India are using their smartphones more for entertainment purposes, such as playing video games and watching movies, than for academic purposes.
The survey, titled State of Elementary Education in Rural India, was conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU), an initiative of Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) in collaboration with Sambodhi Research and Communications Pvt. Ltd. The survey covered 6,229 parents of schoolchildren, aged 6–16, in rural communities across 21 states and union territories.
The survey included responses from 6,229 parents, of whom 6,135 had had school-going students, 56 had children who dropped out of school, and 38 had children who had never enrolled in school.
It was further revealed that at least 78% of parents of girls and 82% of parents of boys wanted to educate their children to the level of graduation or above.
Students belonging to Class VIII and above had more access to smartphones (58.32%), while students in Classes I–III also had access (42.1%).
Questions on the learning environment at home revealed that 40% of the parents said that age-appropriate reading materials, other than textbooks, are available at home.
Key Findings of the Survey:
- Nearly half (49.3%) of students in rural India have access to smartphones.
- Of the students with access to smartphones, 76.7% use them primarily for entertainment.
- Only 34% of students with access to smartphones use them for study-related activities.
- Class VIII students have a higher smartphone access rate (58.32%) than Classes I–III (42.1%).
- Only 18% of students access online learning through tutorials.
Implications of the Survey:
The findings of the survey have several implications for the education system in rural India. First, it suggests that students in rural areas are not using their smartphones to their full potential for academic purposes. Second, it highlights the need for more effective use of smartphones in the classroom. Third, it suggests that parents and teachers need to be more aware of the potential risks of smartphone use for students.
Parent participation
A survey found that only 40% of parents talk to their children about school every day. 32% of parents talk to their children about school a few days a week. The survey also asked parents why their children had dropped out of school. 36.8% of parents said their daughters had dropped out because they were needed to help with the family’s earnings. 31.6% said their daughters were not interested in school, and 21.1% said their daughters had to take care of household chores and siblings. For boys, the main reason for dropping out of school was lack of interest in school (71.8%). 48.7% said their sons had to help with the family’s earnings. 84% of parents said they attended parent-teacher meetings regularly. The main reasons for not attending meetings were short notice and lack of willingness.
Here are some additional points that can be made from the survey:
- Parents need to talk to their children about school more often.
- Parents need to be more involved in their children’s education.
- Girls are more likely to drop out of school because they are needed to help with the family’s earnings.
- Boys are more likely to drop out of school because they are not interested in school.
- Parents need to be more willing to attend parent-teacher meetings.
How to Use Smartphones for Academic Purposes:
There are a number of ways that students in rural India can use their smartphones for academic purposes. These include:
- Downloading educational apps and games.
- Using online learning platforms.
- Reading e-books and articles.
- Watching educational videos.
- Taking online quizzes and tests.
- Communicating with teachers and classmates.
How to Reduce the Risks of Smartphone Use for Students:
There are a number of things that parents and teachers can do to reduce the risks of smartphone use for students. These include:
- Setting limits on smartphone use.
- Monitoring smartphone usage.
- Talking to students about the risks of smartphone use.
- Teaching students how to use smartphones responsibly.
- Providing students with alternative activities to engage in, such as reading, sports, or outdoor activities.
Conclusion:
The survey findings highlight the need for more effective use of smartphones in the education system in rural India. By taking steps to reduce the risks of smartphone use and by providing students with more opportunities to use their smartphones for academic purposes, we can help to ensure that students in rural areas have the best possible chance of success in school and beyond.
Call to Action:
If you are a parent or teacher in rural India, I encourage you to take the following steps:
- Learn more about the risks and benefits of smartphone use for students.
- Set limits on smartphone use for your children or students.
- Monitor smartphone usage.
- Talk to your children or students about the risks of smartphone use.
- Teach your children or students how to use smartphones responsibly.
- Provide your children or students with alternative activities to engage in, such as reading, sports, or outdoor activities.
By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your children or students use their smartphones in a safe and productive way.