Weary children wary of online classes

Hyderabad: Ever since the lockdown was announced, several schools and colleges have opted for online classes. Students now are complaining of stress, tiredness, back-ache etc.

Dr Ajay Kumar, a physiotherapist at Jayalakshmi Physio Clinic, Malkajgiri, said, "During these online classes, students who do not have laptops use mobiles, which not only causes strain to their eyes but also sitting for long hours in front of screens can lead to issues like severe back pain."

Ramanjeet Singh, the joint secretary of Hyderabad Students Parents Association, said, "Students have to sit at the same place for hours with just a few minutes break. This is taking a toll on their health."

Dr R Komala, Head, Department Of Physics, St Pious X Degree and PG College for Women, observed, "It is a challenge for teachers, students and parents to get adapted to the online education.

For teachers, taking online classes is a challenge due to limited infrastructural facilities. For a student, it is equally challenging to get connected to online classes.

Most of the students experienced audio and video disturbances due to poor internet connectivity. Since most of the Interactive apps consumed lot of data, acquiring it making optimum use of it was also one of the challenges."

She adds further, "Many students expressed that they could complete the required syllabus but the real feel was missing in online sessions.

Children sitting with mobiles in their hands for long hours have their physical mobility restricted. As they are asked to pay attention to the screen activities, they develop neck and sometimes eye-related problems. Monitoring wards performance has become a challenge for students as well as teachers."

S Shivani, a first year Mass Communication student at St Francis College for Women, said, "I easily get diverted during the online classes because it's home and not the college.

During these online classes not everyone can participate properly. It is also stressful for our eyes. And due to the improper posture while online classes, I have been continuously getting back ache."