A debate has intensified in India over proposals to restrict social media access for children under 16, amid growing concern about the impact of prolonged screen exposure and unsafe online content on young users.
The discussion follows reports that some states are considering a ban for minors under 16, citing risks linked to mental health, online safety and excessive screen time. The move comes at a time when internet penetration continues to expand rapidly across the country.
Australia has already enacted a law aimed at protecting young people from digital features that encourage excessive screen use and expose them to potentially harmful content. According to the country’s Office for Youth, the restrictions are designed to shield children from risks affecting their health and well-being. Authorities there consulted both parents and children before implementing the law.
In India, experts remain divided on the feasibility and effectiveness of such a ban.
Jatin Gandhi, journalist and Trust and Safety practitioner, said the success of any legislation would depend on how it is introduced, monitored and implemented within society and individual households. He noted that while some children may bypass restrictions, not all would do so. Gandhi described the proposed move as a corrective step, arguing that social media platforms have operated with limited oversight despite their growing influence. He linked the issue to increasing internet access and what he characterised as a decline in platform quality driven by profit prioritisation over user welfare.
Gandhi also referred to writer Cory Doctorow’s framework describing the lifecycle of online platforms. In the initial stage, platforms generate value for users and build communities. In the next phase, they monetise user attention through advertising. In the final stage, according to Gandhi, platforms focus primarily on maximising profits without adding value to users or business partners. He stressed that digital platforms now push curated content to users rather than relying on active searches.
Joydeep Dasgupta, an expert in fact-checking, media and AI literacy, supported restrictions on children’s social media use. He emphasised that while the internet remains a useful educational resource, access for schoolwork should occur under parental or teacher supervision. He warned that unrestricted exposure can subject children to cyberbullying, predatory behaviour and unhealthy social comparisons. Dasgupta urged parents to regulate screen time and encourage a balance between digital engagement and real-world interaction.
Sambit Pal, In-Charge Director at the International School of Broadcasting and Journalism at MIT Art, Design and Technology University in Pune, described a complete avoidance of smartphones and social media as impractical in a connected world. He said children inevitably enter digital spaces once they begin using smartphones. Pal advocated parental guidance and open dialogue as more realistic tools to reduce harm.
He also called on social media companies to strengthen age-verification mechanisms and ensure that content accessible to minors remains appropriate and safe. Without safeguards or supervision, he cautioned, children risk navigating vast digital environments without the skills required to manage potential dangers.
The debate signals a broader national conversation on how India should regulate children’s access to social media while balancing digital inclusion with online safety.
