In a bid to improve work efficiency and address growing concerns over mobile phone addiction among police personnel, a batch of officers and staff from the North East Division of Bengaluru City Police underwent an awareness session on Thursday.

The programme on mobile phone addiction was conducted for personnel attached to Yelahanka New Town, Vidyaranyapura, Yelahanka, and Kodigehalli Police Stations under the directions of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.

The session was led by Well-Being Officer Wazeera Begum, who explained the psychological, physical, and social effects caused by excessive smartphone usage. Participants were also sensitised about the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between digital life and personal life.

Key issues discussed during the awareness programme included nomophobia — the fear of being without a mobile phone — sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, anxiety, irritability, psychological stress, and phantom vibration sensation. The harmful effects of blue light on eyesight and sleep patterns were also highlighted.

The session further focused on how excessive engagement in the virtual world can negatively impact real-life relationships and social interactions.

As part of the awareness drive, police personnel were advised to limit unnecessary mobile phone usage, focus on one task at a time, delete unwanted applications, and control notifications. They were also encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, develop positive hobbies, and spend quality time with family members.

The use of Digital Wellbeing and Night Mode features on smartphones was also recommended. Officials additionally stressed the importance of following the 20-20-20 rule to maintain eye health.

The programme concluded with the message that technology should remain under human control and not control people’s lives.

During the programme, awareness on the dos and don’ts of using mobile phones, like not sharing OTPs, not clicking on links sent by unknown people and APK files, and the safety features of mobile phones, was also discussed.