The Economic Survey has identified digital addiction as a growing public health concern and called for stronger accountability from online platforms. It recommended strict enforcement of age verification and age-appropriate defaults while urging a shift towards simpler, education-focused devices for children to curb excessive screen use.
From Connectivity to Safe Digital Use
With digital access now nearly universal, the Survey noted that India’s challenge has moved beyond connectivity to ensuring safe and responsible use. Unchecked screen time, it warned, is beginning to affect mental health, academic performance, workplace productivity, and social behaviour, particularly among children and young adults.
Holding Platforms Accountable
To address these risks, the Survey recommended age-based access limits across digital platforms. It stressed that social media, gaming, and gambling apps must enforce robust age verification mechanisms and default age-appropriate settings. In particular, it called for tighter controls on auto-play features and targeted advertising, where younger users remain most vulnerable.
Drawing on international examples, the Survey cited regulatory steps taken by Australia, China, and South Korea to restrict children’s access to social media and gaming platforms. It urged India to consider similar interventions tailored to its own digital ecosystem.
Promoting Healthier Digital Alternatives
Recognising that screens cannot simply be eliminated, the Survey proposed a range of supportive alternatives. These include creating offline youth hubs, especially in urban slums and rural areas, developing moderated school-hosted online spaces, and introducing a digital wellness curriculum. In addition, it recommended peer mentoring programmes and mandatory daily physical activity to balance screen exposure.
Role of Families in Managing Screen Time
As reported by TOI, the Survey emphasised the critical role of families in preventing digital addiction. It encouraged parents to set screen-time limits, introduce device-free hours, and promote shared offline activities. To support this effort, it recommended parental workshops to help families identify early signs of digital dependency.
Simpler Devices and Safer Internet Access for Children
To further limit exposure to harmful content, the Survey suggested nudging children towards simpler devices with restricted functionality. It also proposed strict usage limits, content filters, and ISP-led family data plans that clearly separate educational use from recreational access.
Ultra-Processed Foods: A Parallel Lifestyle Threat
Alongside digital addiction, the Survey flagged ultra-processed foods (UPF) as a significant lifestyle risk. It called for stricter controls on UPF marketing to children, including a possible advertising ban between 6 am and 11 pm across media platforms. Moreover, it supported the use of clear warning labels instead of star ratings and explored the option of higher taxes on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Evidence Linking Digital Use to Mental Health Risks
Citing available evidence, the Survey highlighted strong links between social media addiction and anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among individuals aged 15–24. It also noted the World Health Organization’s recognition of ‘Gaming Disorder’ as a mental health condition associated with sleep disruption, aggression, and social withdrawal.
A Call for Coordinated Action
Overall, the Economic Survey underscored the need for coordinated action by policymakers, platforms, families, and schools. By combining regulation, awareness, and healthier alternatives, it argued, India can address digital addiction and related lifestyle risks while protecting the wellbeing of its younger population.