Himachal Pradesh News
Teachers and Parents Must Educate Students on Social Media Risks, Says Himachal Minister Vikramaditya Singh
Expressing concern over the growing influence of social media on young minds, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday called upon teachers and parents to play a more active role in educating students about the harmful effects of irresponsible social media use, cybersecurity, and moral values.
Expressing concern over the growing influence of social media on young minds, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday called upon teachers and parents to play a more active role in educating students about the harmful effects of irresponsible social media use, cybersecurity, and moral values.
Speaking as the chief guest during the 91st birthday celebration of the Dalai Lama at Sambodha Tibetan School in Chotta Shimla, the minister stressed that schools are not only centres of academic learning but also the foundation where children’s character, values, and decision-making abilities are shaped.
Vikramaditya Singh said that the misuse of social media is contributing to several negative trends in society, with its impact becoming increasingly visible across India, including Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that teachers and parents should regularly guide children on the responsible use of digital platforms while helping them understand the difference between right and wrong.
Referring to the recent school shooting incident in Shimla, the minister described it as a matter of serious concern and said such incidents highlight the urgent need to provide proper guidance and value-based education to young people. He urged educational institutions to organize regular awareness programmes on social media safety, cyber threats, and ethical behaviour.
The minister also encouraged schools to educate students about environmental conservation, forests, and ecosystem protection from an early stage, saying that awareness among children is essential for building a sustainable future.
During the event, Vikramaditya Singh felicitated meritorious students and formally launched a Hepatitis-B screening campaign. He also announced financial assistance of ₹31,000 for cultural groups that performed during the celebrations.
Paying tribute to the Dalai Lama, the minister said Himachal Pradesh has earned global recognition due to the Tibetan spiritual leader’s presence in the state. He noted that India’s decision under the leadership of the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to grant asylum to the Dalai Lama reflected the nation’s humanitarian values and rich cultural traditions.
Vikramaditya Singh also recalled the close relationship between his late father and former six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Raja Virbhadra Singh and the Dalai Lama. He said his family considers it a matter of pride that the Tibetan spiritual leader personally released Raja Virbhadra Singh’s biography in Dharamshala in 2017.
