In an effort to promote safe and healthy digital habits among young people, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad (MICA) and the Young & Resilient Research Centre of Western Sydney University, Australia, organised Digital Wellbeing Workshops in Nagaland.
The workshops were held at Government Middle School, Kezo Town, and Government High School, PWD, Kohima, drawing enthusiastic participation from students and educators.
Led by Professor Manisha Pathak-Shelat and her team from MICA, the initiative aimed to explore the digital experiences, challenges, and aspirations of school children in today’s rapidly evolving online world. The workshops focused on empowering students to navigate digital spaces responsibly, understand the impact of screen time, and use digital tools in ways that support their personal growth and mental wellbeing.
Prof. Pathak-Shelat highlighted that the project also seeks to bridge the gap between youth perspectives and digital design, ensuring that future technologies are shaped with young users in mind. “By listening to children and bringing their voices into the design process, we hope to create digital environments that are safer, more inclusive, and supportive of youth development,” she said.
The initiative also provided a platform for students to express their digital experiences, including the pressures of social media, online learning challenges, and the importance of online safety.
Representatives from Assam Rifles, who supported the logistical execution of the event, emphasized the importance of digital literacy and mental resilience in today’s technology-driven era, especially for youth in remote and underserved regions.
The event was part of a larger global project to understand and improve digital wellbeing among adolescents, and such workshops are expected to be expanded to other regions in the near future.