The rehab centre, also known as SHUT or the Service for Healthy Use of Technology clinic, helps teenagers who are struggling with digital addictions.
Story so far: The clinic has witnessed an increase in cases over the past two years due to schools switching to online learning owing to the Covid lockdown, which forced children to rely on technology for study and amusement. After the lockdown, schools reopened, making it difficult for parents to wean their kids off of electronics.
- Parents complain that their wards do not want to come out of their rooms and leave their gadgets behind.
Symptoms: If their gadgets are taken away, children become hostile, dejected, and angry, and sometimes they even consider suicide. Turning off the phone could make them anxious, agitated, or have trouble falling asleep. Many parents find it disappointing that they lose interest in academics.