Maha assembly to take up social media ban for teens today

A proposal seeking a ban on social media and internet access for teenagers will be raised in the Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday, bringing the spotlight back on the growing concerns around minors’ exposure to digital platforms and online content.

The issue was flagged in the House amid rising concerns about the impact of excessive mobile phone usage, social media platforms and online gaming on children and adolescents. The proposal urges the state government to examine regulatory or policy measures to curb teenagers’ access to social media and the internet.

According to the Assembly, recent EY reports have pointed to an increase in crimes involving children and teenagers. “Due to violent digital content, online games and the race for popularity on social media, incidents such as fights, cybercrime, theft, blackmailing and cyberbullying among children are increasing”.

The discussion comes at a time when concerns around children’s digital habits are increasingly being highlighted at the national level. The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament recently, flagged the rapid rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health challenges in India, particularly among children and adolescents.

Describing the trend as alarming, the survey warned that excessive engagement with smartphones, social media, gaming and online platforms is beginning to take a measurable toll on wellbeing, learning outcomes and long-term economic productivity.

Despite these risks, digital engagement continues to deepen across the country. In 2024, nearly half of India’s internet users watched online videos, while 43% accessed social media, 40% used email or streamed music, and 26% made digital payments. In absolute numbers, this translates to around 40 crore users on OTT video and food delivery platforms and close to 35 crore on social media, underlining the scale of digital adoption.

The proposal also highlights concerns that such developments could have wider consequences if not addressed early. It warns that these incidents may affect children’s mental health, their social behaviour and could also create challenges for the law-and-order system.

As part of the recommendations, the government has been urged to consider legal or policy interventions similar to those being discussed in other states. Karnataka has previously explored measures to regulate social media access for minors, while Goa has also raised concerns about teenagers’ growing exposure to online platforms and the need for safeguards.

The issue has also begun to draw attention globally as governments grapple with the implications of unregulated digital access among young users. During recent international discussions around artificial intelligence and digital governance, French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the need for stronger frameworks to protect children and teenagers from the risks emerging in online ecosystems.

The proposal also stresses the importance of improving digital literacy among students, parents and educators so that children are better equipped to navigate social media and online platforms responsibly.

The discussion is expected to culminate in a decision from the state government later today on whether immediate measures are needed and what form they could take. Legislators have urged the government to examine safeguards for children and teenagers, particularly those below the age of 16, as concerns grow over online safety.