Vidya Lead Academy

In today’s world, conversations about social media often begin and end with one question: “How many hours are children spending online?” But what if we are asking the wrong question? At Vidya Lead Academy , through our work as addiction therapists, we are seeing something deeper—something more human. Excessive social media use among students is not just about screen time. It is about coping, emotions, identity, and early exposure to complex digital realities. For many young people, the online world is not separate from life—it is life. The Emotional Reality Behind the Screen Students today are navigating pressures that did not exist a generation ago—comparison, validation through likes, fear of missing out, and exposure to adult content far too early. What may look like “addiction” is often:A way to cope with stress or loneliness A search for belonging A response to anxiety or emotional overwhelm This is why restriction alone does not work. Taking away the phone does not take away the ...

Learning that Enriches. Action that Distinguishes. At Vidya Lead Academy, we believe that meaningful change begins with listening—not just to data, but to lived experiences. In this spirit, we engaged in a deep conversation with Karuna Narang , a seasoned child protection expert whose work spans adoption systems, Child Welfare Committees (CWC), Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB), and national-level policy engagement. About Karuna Narang With a foundation in social work and over two decades of experience, Karuna Narang brings a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable children. She has facilitated hundreds of adoptions, served two terms on the CWC (2009–2015), and later as a member of the Juvenile Justice Board in North East Delhi (2018–2021). Her work bridges direct service, policy, and training across institutions like NCPCR, CARA, SCERT, and IGNOU. A committed trainer and academic counselor, she continues to work closely with educators, communities, and future soci...