Panchkula,11-02-2026-A focused awareness initiative promoting safe and responsible social media use among adolescents was conducted on 6^th February 2026at Saarthak Government Integrated Model Senior Secondary School (GIMSSS), Sector 12A, Panchkula, by a research team from PGIMER, Chandigarh. The intervention addressed growing concerns around excessive social media use, its influence on family relationships, alcohol exposure, and risky sexual behaviours among adolescents.

The session was part of an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)funded, multi-city cluster randomized controlled trial led by Dr. Tanvi Kiran, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The study examines the impact of social media on child–family relationships, alcohol use, and sexual health among adolescents, intending to develop evidence-based strategies to promote healthy digital behaviours in urban North India.

The intervention was delivered by Ms. Divya Sharma, ICMR Research Scientist-II, along with the project team.A total of 113 students participated in the one-hour session, which moved beyond conventional lectures to include interactive presentations and poster-based discussions.

The second theme examined the role of social media in normalising adolescent alcohol consumption. Discussions explored influencer culture, surrogate advertising, and fear of missing out as drivers of early alcohol exposure. The session highlighted health risks such as impaired brain development and addiction, while offering protective strategies including content filtering, peer selection, and engagement in sports and offline activities.

The third theme addressed social media-driven risky sexual behaviour. Adolescents were sensitised to the risks associated with sexualised online content, misinformation, and cyber intimacy. Emphasis was placed on digital responsibility, recognising misleading trends, setting personal boundaries, and seeking reliable information on sexual health.

The session concluded with an open discussion, during which students actively shared experiences and sought clarification on digital health concerns. Feedback reflected high engagement and a sense of empowerment to make informed decisions online.

The programme was supported by the school administration, led by Ms. Renu Bala, Principal, and Dr. Sandhya, PGT Psychology. As adolescent digital exposure continues to rise, this initiative offers a scalable model for promoting safe social media use and strengthening adolescent health.