Professor suggests idea to curb mobile phone addiction of customers at restaurants

Mysuru: With mobile phone addiction tightening its grip on people of all ages, Prof. G.R. Angadi, Dean, School of Education, Central University of Karnataka (CUK), Kalaburagi, has suggested a creative remedy — offer discounts to customers who keep their phones away while dining in restaurants.

Speaking at a two-day international conference on ‘Life Skills and Welfare of Youths and Children in a Digital Era,’ organised recently at the Cauvery Auditorium, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Prof. Angadi proposed that a simple five percent discount on restaurant bills could motivate diners to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with their food.

“People are so glued to their phones in restaurants, they hardly notice what’s on their plate. Some don’t even remember what they ate,” he said. “A discount might encourage them to put their phones aside, even if just briefly,” he added.

Prof. Angadi cited examples of restaurants in some cities already experimenting with this idea, calling it a healthy trend worth replicating nationwide.

He raised concerns over the growing dependence on mobile phones, particularly among children. “Many kids now refuse to eat without watching a screen. Excessive screen time is harming mental and physical health,” he warned, urging parents to take the lead in setting boundaries.

“Mobile phone has become both a blessing and a curse. It gives us access to the world at our fingertips, yet erodes our ability to focus, engage and live mindfully,” he said.

He stressed the need to raise awareness about the dangers of digital addiction and teach people, especially students, how to balance the benefits of technology with self-discipline.

He also called for developing life skills to meet the challenges of a digital era and urged youth to identify and nurture their innate talents to build a strong career.

Prof. N. Lakshmi, Dean (Academic), Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) highlighted how the National Education Policy (NEP) places emphasis on creative thinking, communication skills and analytical ability.

The event was attended by KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halse, Registrar Prof. S.K. Naveen Kumar, Registrar (Evaluation) Anand Kumar, Dean of Research Prof. Ramanatham Naidu and others.