Consider age based social media restrictions to check ‘digital addiction’: Economic Survey

The Indian government should consider age-based restrictions on access to social media on the net, to check “digital addiction” which could lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress at a very young age.

The move suggested by the Economic Survey tabled on Thursday in parliament follows on the heels of Australia, which, last December, slapped a ban on children below 16 years of age from holding accounts on social media platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, Facebook and X.

Advertisement

“Policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content,” the report said.

India’s digital boom has seen nearly a billion users, with nearly 80 per cent of teenagers having access to smartphones or other digital media. “Social media addiction is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress, with multiple Indian and global studies confirming its high prevalence among those aged 15-24,” the survey authored by a team of researchers led by chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, said.

The report pointed out that compulsive scrolling and social comparison are particularly linked to anxiety and depressive symptoms. It also blamed “Gaming disorder,” which it said showed evidence of causing “sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal, and depression, with adolescent populations especially vulnerable.”

It also blamed online gambling for causing “harm”, including financial stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. It also warned against “binge-watching and endless video loops” for poor sleep hygiene, reduced concentration, and heightened stress.

Together, these findings underscore the “multifaceted nature of digital addiction and its significant impact on mental health”, the report said, adding that suicide rates have also been found linked to mental state caused by over-exposure to such digital platforms.

Several Indian states have already said they are studying the issue of teenage mental health linked to digital addiction. While the Economic Survey’s recommendations are not always followed by the government, they are usually studied in all seriousness by concerned departments.

South Korea, too, had introduced the ‘Shutdown or Cinderella law’ in 2011, restricting minors from accessing gaming websites after midnight. Several European countries are also believed to be studying the challenge of “digital addiction” among the young with a view to imposing similar bans.

The report points out that “Digital addiction” also affects adults. It has advocated awareness programmes in colleges and workplaces, technology-free zones, and ‘buddy’ or ‘mentor’ systems, which can promote healthier digital habits and build offline connections.

“Adults may be encouraged to adopt ‘digital diets’ involving voluntary device-free periods. For severe cases, community-based, device-free spaces can provide professional support,” the report said, giving the example of Karnataka’s ‘Digital Detox Centre – Beyond Screens’ which serves as a resource hub for individuals facing digital addiction.