Bhubaneswar: The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament on January 29 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has raised serious concerns over rising digital addiction among children and recommended age-based restrictions on access to online platforms.
Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described digital platforms as “predatory by design,” arguing that their algorithms and features are engineered to maximise screen time, particularly among young users. With India now having nearly 750 million smartphone users, the Survey warns of long-term cognitive, emotional and social consequences for children.
To address the issue, the Survey proposes a multi-pronged approach, including mandatory age verification, child-specific filtered devices, and limits on addictive features such as endless scrolling and algorithm-driven content recommendations.
Supporting the recommendations, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant cautioned that unchecked digital exposure risks “frying kids’ brains,” stressing the need for urgent policy intervention to protect young minds.
However, the proposals have also drawn criticism. Skeptics point to enforcement challenges in a vast digital ecosystem and argue that parental responsibility and digital literacy may be more effective than regulation alone.
The Survey notes that India’s debate mirrors global trends, citing countries such as Australia and France, which are already exploring or implementing stricter rules to limit children’s access to social media and addictive digital platforms.
The recommendations are likely to fuel further discussion on balancing child protection, parental responsibility, and digital freedoms in one of the world’s fastest-growing online markets.
-OdishaAge
