Jajpur ,06/09(PPT): Students should avoid spending excessive time on social media and instead focus on education, career goals and personal development, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Dr Satyajit Nayak, IPS, said on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. Addressing students at a Teachers’ Day programme, Dr Nayak urged young people to use social media responsibly and remain alert to misinformation, propaganda and online content that could distract them from their studies and long-term ambitions. “Students must understand the value of time. Social media can be useful when used wisely, but excessive use can affect concentration, discipline and academic performance,” he said. Dr Nayak encouraged students to develop the habit of reading, acquire new skills and set clear goals for their future. Success, he said, does not come overnight but is built through consistent effort, discipline, patience and dedication. He also stressed the importance of respecting teachers and parents, describing teachers as important guides in shaping the character and future of young people. Teachers, he said, do not merely impart academic knowledge but also help students develop values, confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility. The IPS officer further advised students to verify information before believing or sharing it on social media. With false information and rumours spreading rapidly online, he said, young people must learn to distinguish facts from misinformation and propaganda “Your future is more important than the number of likes, followers or hours spent online,” Dr Nayak told the students. He called upon students to make productive use of technology while maintaining a healthy balance between the digital world and real life. Rather than allowing social media to consume their time, students should use technology to learn, develop skills and broaden their knowledge. Dr Nayak urged the students to remain committed to their education and career goals and work with determination towards achieving their ambitions. His message was simple and direct: technology should be used as a tool for progress, not allowed to become a distraction from the future.