Schools must teach digital health and literacy skills, educators urge

Educators and health professionals have joined forces to advocate for the integration of digital health education into mainstream schooling, arguing that students need structured guidance to navigate online environments safely and responsibly. The push reflects mounting concerns about excessive screen time, misinformation exposure, and mental health challenges linked to digital technology use among young people in the region.

Proponents of the initiative contend that digital literacy extends beyond basic computer skills to encompass critical understanding of online health information, data privacy, and the psychological impacts of social media consumption. By embedding these concepts into school curricula alongside traditional subjects, educators believe institutions can better equip students to make informed decisions about their digital footprint and online behavior.

The call comes amid rising awareness of misinformation campaigns, particularly those related to health and wellness topics, which have gained traction among younger demographics across South and Southeast Asia. Educational stakeholders argue that teaching students to evaluate source credibility and distinguish between reliable and unreliable online content is now as essential as traditional literacy.

Educators emphasize that such initiatives require collaboration between schools, health authorities, and technology experts to develop age-appropriate curricula and training programs for teachers. Several institutions have begun pilot programs incorporating digital wellness modules, with early feedback suggesting positive impacts on student awareness and responsible technology use.