Kollam: Kerala Police have reported the successful rescue of 775 children from digital addiction through the state's Digital De-Addiction (D-DAD) project. To date, 1,739 individuals across Kerala have been engaged in the initiative, which was launched to combat mobile and internet addiction among children.

Praveen, Deputy Director of the Media Center, stated that counseling and follow-up treatment for the remaining children are ongoing. These sessions take into account various factors such as education, exams, and other personal matters, with some children requiring additional counseling sessions.

The D-DAD project, initiated by the Social Policing Department in January 2023, aims to address the growing issue of digital addiction among children. The addiction is identified by observing behavioral changes, and the severity of the addiction is assessed using an Internet Addiction Test developed by psychologists.

Children identified as being at risk are provided with therapy, counseling, and guidance to help them overcome their digital dependencies. For cases that cannot be resolved through these measures, support from mental health professionals is provided. The initiative specifically targets children exhibiting signs of severe addiction, such as anger, violence, depression, suicidal tendencies, and a lack of focus in their studies, offering them a pathway to recovery.