A parliamentary panel has recommended a potential ban on social media usage for children under 16 in India, citing concerns over mental health, privacy, and behavioral impacts. The report, set to be tabled in Parliament, also calls for legal and technical measures to regulate access.
Social Media Ban for Minors Under 16 Under Consideration in India
New Delhi: A major decision may be coming regarding children's social media use in the country. A parliamentary standing committee has recommended banning the use of social media platforms by children under the age of 16. The report of this committee, headed by Nishikant Dubey, will be presented in Parliament today, after which a serious discussion on this issue is expected.
The committee stated in its report that social media is having a negative impact on young children, particularly its adverse effects on mental health, privacy, and behavior. According to the report, several international studies have also shown that prolonged social media use can increase problems such as stress, anxiety, and attention deficit in children.
The committee suggested that the government should take concrete steps in this direction. This includes legal provisions as well as technical solutions to control or limit young children's access to social media. The report also states that many countries have already implemented such restrictions, and India should learn from them.
The report recommends changes in the education sector, taking into account the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The committee recommends that specialized AI courses should be introduced to prepare youth for future technologies. This will provide students with an understanding of new technologies and provide better employment opportunities.
Under the government's 'India AI Mission,' 570 AI and Data Labs are being established across the country. These labs will be located primarily in government ITI, polytechnic, and NIELIT centers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Students will have the opportunity to work with modern technology and data, preparing them for entry-level jobs in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
All eyes are on the report, which will be presented in Parliament today. If the recommendations are implemented, the country could see a major shift in children's digital use. This step is considered crucial for the safety of children and their future.
