Age Limit on Social Media: Economic Survey’s Plan to Tackle Digital Addiction

Source: The post “Age Limit on Social Media: Economic Survey’s Plan to Tackle Digital Addiction” has been created, based on “Age Limit on Social Media: Economic Survey’s Plan to Tackle Digital Addiction” published in “Indian Express” on 30th January 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2- Governance

Context: The Economic Survey 2025–26 has recommended age-based restrictions on social media usage for children. The main objective of this recommendation is to address the growing problem of digital addiction and harmful online exposure. The proposal reflects India’s concern for the mental, emotional, and social well-being of young users.

Need for Imposing an Age Limit

1. There has been a significant increase in digital addiction among children due to excessive screen time.
2. Children often develop dependency on online validation through likes, comments, and shares.
3. Prolonged use of social media negatively affects mental health and increases anxiety and depression.
4. Exposure to violent, sexual, and gambling-related content harms the moral and psychological development of children.
5. Many children face cyberbullying and online harassment, which leads to emotional stress.
6. Children are highly vulnerable to manipulative and targeted digital advertisements.

Key Recommendations of the Economic Survey

1. The Survey recommends the introduction of age-based access limits on social media platforms.
2. It suggests mandatory age verification mechanisms for users.
3. It emphasizes the requirement of parental consent for users below 18 years of age.
4. It proposes a ban on behavioural tracking and targeted advertising for children.
5. It recommends the adoption of age-appropriate default privacy and safety settings.
6. It calls for regulation of addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scrolling.
7. It encourages the promotion of basic phones and education-only digital devices for children.
8. It supports the implementation of content filters and usage time limits.

Indian Policy Context

1. India’s data protection framework mandates parental consent for children using digital services.
2. The framework restricts targeted advertising towards minors.
3. Although notified, the framework is yet to be fully implemented.
4. Some states such as Andhra Pradesh and Goa are exploring restrictions on children’s social media use.

International Example: Australia

1. Australia has enacted the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act.
2. The law sets a minimum age of 16 years for social media usage.
3. It requires platforms to block existing underage accounts.
4. It prevents minors from creating new accounts through strict verification.
5. It prohibits the use of bypass mechanisms.
6. It provides grievance redressal for wrongly blocked users.
7. The law aims to reduce screen addiction and improve children’s well-being.

Role of Age Limits in Reducing Digital Addiction

1. Age restrictions delay children’s early exposure to addictive digital platforms.
2. They reduce the influence of algorithm-driven content manipulation.
3. They help in controlling dopamine-based reward cycles.
4. They encourage children to participate in physical and social activities.
5. They improve concentration, academic performance, and emotional stability.
6. They help children develop self-control and responsible digital habits.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Reliable age verification remains difficult due to fake accounts and identity misuse.
2. The collection of personal data raises serious privacy concerns.
3. Regulatory authorities face difficulties in monitoring large digital platforms.
4. The digital divide may exclude disadvantaged children from online learning.
5. Technology companies may resist regulations that affect their revenue.
6. Children may use VPNs and alternative platforms to bypass restrictions.

Way Forward

1. The government should develop secure and privacy-friendly age verification systems.
2. Digital literacy should be included in school curricula.
3. Parents should be trained to monitor and guide children’s online activities.
4. Independent regulatory institutions should be strengthened.
5. Social media platforms should be encouraged to follow ethical design practices.
6. Nationwide awareness campaigns should promote healthy digital habits.

Conclusion

The Economic Survey’s recommendation is a timely step to protect children in the digital age. Age limits alone cannot solve digital addiction but can reduce early risks. A balanced approach involving government, parents, schools, and platforms is essential. Such coordinated efforts can ensure safe, responsible, and healthy digital development.

Source: Indian express

Question: Discuss how age-based regulation of social media can contribute to protecting the mental and emotional well-being of children in India. Illustrate with suitable examples.