Puttur, (DHNS): At a time when many youths are stuck to social media, here are schoolchildren who voluntarily took a pledge in the name of their parents, not to use social media. Ambika PU College students organised a programme to take a pledge against social media and sent out a message to those who are addicted to social media. Neither the college management nor teachers had taken part.

Some students administered an oath, promising not to use social media during while pursuing studies. The students said, “Social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Hike and IMO are being misused. The minds get diverted from the studies. It also motivates students to use shortcuts in life. Social media are being used for Love Jihad and terrorism as well. Hence, we have to remain away from social media.” Sayilakshmi said, “People get lured away by the messages on social media. It is a medium being used for Love Jihad and terrorists. Through fake accounts, many children have fallen prey to bad habits. Our initiative should become a model for others as well.”

Sonam said, “Many youths are getting addicted to social media and lose interest in studies. Many are worried over likes and comments in social media. The photographs are misused by the miscreants. Hence, we have taken a pledge not to use social media.” Head of Ambika institutions Subrahmanya Nattoja said, “We had not asked the students to organise such a programme. The students came forward and kept their views in front of us. We allowed them to organise the programme on their own.”