The answer lies in regulation, education, and responsible platform design, not just restrictive laws
By Muhsin Ahmad Malik
The rapid expansion of smartphones and social media has transformed how people—especially children—communicate, learn, and spend their leisure time. These platforms offer several advantages. They expose children to educational material in engaging formats, encourage creativity, and help them stay connected with family and friends. In many cases, social media also supports digital learning, health awareness, and access to information for children in remote or underserved areas.
For children who find face-to-face interaction difficult, online platforms can provide a safe outlet to express themselves and build confidence in communication. Despite these benefits, concerns about the negative impact of social media on children’s health and development are growing globally, including in India.
Mental health challenges and childhood obesity are increasing at an alarming rate. Excessive screen use has been linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body-image issues because children tend to compare themselves with idealised online portrayals. Cyberbullying is a persistent threat, as online anonymity often encourages harmful behaviour. Many Indian schoolchildren report bullying, harassment, or negative comments on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.Physical health is also affected. Screen exposure late at night disrupts sleep patterns by affecting melatonin levels, which are crucial for growth and cognitive development. Long hours spent online reduce physical activity, contributing to rising rates of childhood obesity.
Without constant access to social media, children would have more time for outdoor play, sports, community interactions, and hobbies that promote healthy development. Safety and privacy risks are equally concerning. Children may unknowingly share personal information, making them vulnerable to online exploitation or scams. The addictive design of many platforms further complicates self-regulation.
Globally, several incidents involving dangerous online challenges have highlighted the risks of unmonitored social media usage among young children. India has also witnessed similar harmful trends, where risky online activities have caused injury and even loss of life. Despite age restrictions on major platforms, many Indian children aged 8–12 continue to use social media apps freely, often with fake birthdates. This widespread underage usage has raised demands for more serious intervention from both the government and social media companies. Some countries, including Australia, have introduced strict laws to ban social media use for younger children in an attempt to protect them from online harm. Supporters of such measures argue that restricting access shields children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviour. Many parents in India also express the need for stronger digital protections, especially as online exposure is increasing rapidly in both urban and rural areas.
However, critics argue that outright bans may not work. Children may still find alternative routes to access restricted platforms, such as using different devices or creating multiple accounts. Strict bans may also push children into less regulated areas of the internet, reducing opportunities for guidance from adults. In India, where digital learning and online platforms play a growing role in education and social engagement, a complete ban may overlook the beneficial aspects of technology. It may also hinder the development of digital literacy skills that are essential in a modern, technology-driven society. A more balanced and practical approach would combine regulation, education, and parental involvement.
Teaching children how to use social media responsibly can empower them to navigate digital spaces with greater awareness. Indian schools, teachers, counsellors, and parents can play a crucial role in promoting e-safety, identifying harmful content, and encouraging healthy screen habits. Parents can use monitoring tools, set time limits, or establish screen-free periods—especially during meals, study hours, and before bedtime. Encouraging offline activities, sports, and family interactions can help offset the negative influences of excessive screen time. Social media companies must also take greater responsibility. They should implement better age-verification systems, restrict harmful content, and introduce stronger tools for screen-time management. Governments and regulatory bodies in India need to collaborate with technology companies to create guidelines that prioritise the well-being of children.
Social media has become an unavoidable force shaping the minds, emotions, and behaviour of today’s children. Its influence is profound and multi-layered—offering opportunities for learning and connection while simultaneously exposing young users to psychological, social, and safety risks they are often unprepared to handle.
The challenge, therefore, is not to reject technology, but to govern it with wisdom. Protecting children in the digital age requires a balanced approach: stronger laws, responsible platforms, vigilant parents, and digitally literate children. Only through collective responsibility can society ensure that social media becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a catalyst for harm. The future of our children depends on how thoughtfully we act today.
The writer is a teacher at GMS, Pinjura
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