STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: “The internet is like a sharp knife-held wisely, it serves; mishandled, it harms.” With this thought-provoking analogy, Sehrish Batool of Grade V Pearl led a deeply insightful morning assembly on “Good and Bad Use of the Internet” at JK Public School, Kunjwani, alongside her classmates, sensitively unfolding the many dimensions of the digital world before the young audience.
Setting the tone, Maryam eloquently highlighted the constructive face of the internet, describing it as a powerful double-edged sword of modern times. She emphasized how the internet opens doors to global knowledge, bridges continents through instant communication, and simplifies everyday life via online education, digital banking, and seamless access to information-making learning faster, broader, and more inclusive.
Adding further gravitas, Arnav Deepak Baranwal cautioned the gathering against the darker side of unchecked digital usage. He spoke about the alarming spread of misinformation, the menace of cyberbullying, data theft, and the growing addiction to social media. He also drew attention to excessive screen time leading to physical health concerns and social isolation, urging peers to remain alert and balanced in their online habits. Taking the discourse a notch higher, Amitesh Suri reflected maturely on the responsibility that comes with digital freedom. He remarked that the internet, created by humans to enhance human thinking, must be used judiciously. Highlighting the positive use of AI tools for creativity, online learning, research, communication, shopping, and even weather forecasting, he reminded everyone that the internet offers countless facilities-only if used with wisdom and purpose. He also thoughtfully pointed out that the internet, as a shared global resource, belongs to no single entity and therefore demands collective responsibility.
Presenting the contrasting viewpoint, Ashleen Kour candidly spoke about the adverse effects of excessive internet use. She warned against eye strain, time wastage through mobile gaming, exposure to inappropriate content, and the creeping laziness caused by addiction. Stressing its impact on studies and academic performance, she urged students to strike a healthy balance between the virtual and real worlds. The assembly was further enriched with powerful quotations shared by students, reinforcing the theme with timeless wisdom:
Sargun, citing James Veitch, observed that while the internet gives us access to everything, it also gives everything access to us.
Rudhar reminded everyone that the internet is a good servant but a bad master. Aradhya Pradhan, quoting Caleb Carr, emphasized that information alone does not constitute knowledge. Sanvika, drawing from Bill Gates, described the internet as the future town square of the global village. Lavanya, referencing Milton Friedman, highlighted the internet as a key driver of globalization.Aardhya Sharma reiterated that the internet can be both a servant and a dangerous master. Samrat, quoting Tim Berners-Lee, beautifully summed up that the web connects not just machines, but people.
Addressing the students, the Principal JKPS Kunjwani Rajesh Rathore lauded the thoughtful presentations and the maturity with which such a contemporary issue was handled by the young learners.
He remarked that in today’s digital age, digital literacy must go hand in hand with digital responsibility. He urged students to become conscious digital citizens-using the internet to learn, innovate, collaborate, and grow-while remaining vigilant against its misuse. He emphasized that technology should remain a tool for empowerment, not a trap for dependency, and encouraged students to let wisdom, ethics, and self-discipline guide every click and scroll.The assembly served as a timely reminder that while the internet holds immense power to shape minds and futures, its true value lies in how responsibly and purposefully it is used.