Mumbai: Amid Rising Mental Health Concerns, Maharashtra Govt Weighs Curbs On Children's Social Media Use

Mumbai: In today’s world, smartphones have become almost inseparable from daily life. Children use them for education, communication, and entertainment, but this constant connectivity has raised concerns among parents, educators, and policymakers alike. Following Karnataka’s proposal to ban social media for children under 16, the Maharashtra government is exploring a more balanced approach, one that does not restrict access outright but encourages responsible use.

However, mental health professionals caution that the risks of unrestricted digital exposure cannot be ignored. Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty stated, “The government should be banning social media for children. All over the world, it’s been proven that social media is harmful.

UNESCO has published a report on this… The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, also published a document showing that social media use causes depression, anxiety, and even suicide among youth… one out of three countries has regulated social media either by law or by guidance.” Many parents admit that keeping children away from devices is an ongoing struggle. Online classes, gaming, and social networking have become part of daily routines, and strict limits often lead to tension at home.

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Experts warn that a complete ban may push children towards secretive behaviour instead of teaching responsibility. However, Dr Shetty added, “Regulation never really works… Psychologically, social media affects children, causing depression, anxiety, and even suicide… So, this is about protecting children.” In contrast, educationists advocate a more balanced and guided approach.

Poonam Arora, Principal of Bombay Cambridge International School, explains, “Banning anything is not the solution… Rather than imposing a blanket ban, a balanced approach is more effective. With the right guidance and safeguards, we can prevent harm while allowing children to benefit from digital platforms.” Mario Fishery, Director of IT at ASB, said, “FOMO (fear of missing out) keeps students constantly connected… technology alone cannot solve what is ultimately a behavioural issue.”

Anubha Sahai, President of the India-Wide Parents Association, stated, “We oppose a complete ban… Digital literacy programs must be conducted for both parents and children.”

Poonam Arora, Principal, Bombay Cambridge International School, “Banning anything is not the solution to a problem, and social media is no exception. In today’s technology-driven age, restricting access for children below 16 can be challenging and may limit their exposure to information and social connections available at the click of a button. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the risks, including cyberbullying and online harassment, which in some cases can lead children to take extreme steps. Rather than imposing a blanket ban, a balanced approach is more effective. With the right guidance and safeguards, we can help prevent harm while allowing children to benefit from digital platforms.”

Principal Arora added “A balanced social media policy is a more practical solution than an outright ban. If we want children to become responsible decision-makers, we must educate them instead of restricting their access to information. Implementing digital literacy programmes in schools is an effective way to equip children with the skills they need to navigate social media safely and responsibly.”

“A child-specific social media policy should clearly define age restrictions and require parental consent before account creation. Equally important is integrating digital literacy into school education, covering areas such as online safety, cyberbullying, and digital citizenship. Parents also have a crucial role to play by setting screen-time limits and guiding responsible usage. A combined effort by schools and families can ensure that children engage with social media in a safe and informed manner.” said Principal Arora

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