Thiruvananthapuram: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education in Kerala has announced a ban on distributing study materials to students via social media platforms, including WhatsApp. This measure has been introduced to promote classroom-based learning and ensure that students engage in essential academic experiences within school settings.
The new directive specifically prohibits the sharing of study notes through platforms like WhatsApp for later printing. Regional deputy directors have been instructed to make regular school visits to ensure strict adherence to this regulation, according to Higher Secondary Academic Joint Director Suresh Kumar.
The trend of using social media for sharing study materials gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when online learning was the only option as schools remained closed. However, following complaints to the Child Rights Commission from parents about the financial burden and stress caused by sharing notes online, authorities have stepped in to address these concerns.
Principals of higher secondary schools have also been instructed to prevent teachers from distributing study notes through social media, emphasizing a return to more traditional learning methods within the classroom. The Kerala Directorate of Higher Secondary Education’s decision to ban the sharing of study notes via WhatsApp is a step towards reducing the burden on students and encouraging a return to classroom-based learning. While online methods were essential during the pandemic, the concerns raised by parents about financial strain and undue stress highlight the need for regulated academic practices. By reinforcing traditional teaching methods, the authorities aim to maintain the integrity of the learning experience and ensure that students receive guidance in a more structured and supportive environment.
