TNI Bureau: India’s rapid digital transformation has connected millions, but it has also exposed children and adolescents to the darker side of the internet. With nearly 1.02 billion internet users and around 500 million social media accounts, platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook have become central to daily life — even for young people.

Affordable smartphones and some of the world’s cheapest mobile data have fuelled massive engagement. Indians now spend an average of over 3 hours daily on social apps, and a 2024 survey found that almost 90 % of children aged 14–16 have smartphone access at home. While these tools can support learning and connection, a large share of youth screen time is spent on recreation rather than education, intensifying concerns over digital addiction.

The Economic Survey of India 2025–26 has flagged this trend as a serious public health risk, particularly for children and teens. It warns that excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sleep disruption, and reduced academic performance among young users. The compulsive nature of scrolling, combined with exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying, further erodes concentration and offline social skills, potentially hindering long-term wellbeing and productivity.

Parents and educators also note that screen overuse is crowding out physical activity, real-world interactions and study time. In response, the survey suggests measures such as age-based access norms, digital wellness education, screen-time limits, and parental guidance to help mitigate these negative impacts.

As India’s digital landscape continues to expand, balancing connectivity with children’s mental and emotional health has become an urgent national conversation.