The Growing Threat of Technology Addiction In today's digital age, technology addiction has become a serious public health concern, especially among children and youth. Excessive internet and technology use has been linked to rising mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The widespread availability of digital devices and the growing dependency on online platforms have led to an urgent need for targeted interventions. Recognizing the severity of this issue, AIIMS Delhi is taking a proactive step by establishing India’s first dedicated centre to address internet and technology addiction. AIIMS Delhi’s Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours (CAR-AB) The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has announced the launch of the Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours (CAR-AB). This pioneering initiative aims to develop evidence-based interventions to help children and youth overcome technology addiction. A Response to Rising Mental Health Concerns Dr. Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, Faculty in-charge of the Behavioural Addictions Clinic (BAC) at AIIMS and the lead for this project, emphasized that excessive technology use is a growing public health crisis. The Economic Survey of India (2024-25) has identified a strong link between rising mental health concerns in children and adolescents and excessive internet usage. This has highlighted the urgent need for school and family-level interventions to promote healthier technology habits. Comprehensive Approach to Combat Addiction Prevention, Early Detection, and Intervention CAR-AB will focus on a multi-pronged strategy, including:

• Prevention programs to create awareness about healthy digital habits.
• Screening initiatives to identify individuals at risk of developing technology addiction.
• Early detection mechanisms to intervene before the problem escalates.

Personalized interventions aimed at children and youth struggling with excessive technology use. Training and Skill Development To equip educators and healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to combat technology addiction, AIIMS Delhi will develop specialized training materials. These resources will help professionals effectively address stress, depression, anxiety, and technology-related addictions in young individuals. AI-Powered Predictive Model for Risk Identification As part of its innovative approach, CAR-AB will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop a predictive model. This model will help identify young individuals at risk of developing problematic technology use, allowing for timely intervention. Collaborative National Effort CAR-AB will partner with key stakeholders, including:  

• School and college students to raise awareness and promote healthy digital habits.
• Parents and teachers to foster a supportive environment for reducing screen time.
• Faculty from IITs and medical colleges to build a national network focused on tackling technology addiction.

The initiative has been allocated a budget of ₹14 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing this growing crisis. A Transformative Initiative for a Healthier Digital Future AIIMS Delhi’s Centre for Advanced Research on Addictive Behaviours is a pioneering step in addressing technology addiction among children and youth. By implementing preventive strategies, AI-driven risk assessments, and national collaborations, this initiative aims to create a sustainable and effective framework to combat excessive technology use. As India moves forward in the digital era, this program will play a crucial role in safeguarding mental health and promoting responsible technology use among future generations.   (With inputs from agencies)