Will social media be closed for children? Big recommendation to fix age limit in economic survey:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The Economic Survey 2025-26, presented in Parliament just before Budget 2026, has attracted the attention of parents and tech companies across the country. The survey, prepared by Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Ananth Nageswaran, suggests that the use of social media in India ‘Age Limit’ Should be decided. The survey warns that addiction to smartphones and social media is not only deteriorating the mental health of children, but it is also a big threat to the economic productivity of the country.

5 big recommendations of the survey: This is how social media will work now?

Age Verification: It should be mandatory for social media companies and gaming apps to do ‘age verification’. Platforms will have to ensure that the age of the user is not less than the prescribed limit.

Ban on targeted ads: It has been suggested to show targeted advertising to young children based on their likes and dislikes and ban features like ‘auto-play’.

Promote Simple Devices: Instead of smartphones, basic phones or education-only tablets should be promoted for children.

Reduction in online classes: The survey suggested reducing the time for online classes in schools and increasing physical activity to prevent digital addiction.

Parental Workshop: Workshops should be organized for parents in schools and community centers so that they can understand children’s screen timing and ‘parental control’ tools.

Why was this needed? shocking figures

According to the Economic Survey, around 15 to 29 years of age in India 97 crores There are internet connections.

Waste of time: many minors a day 6 to 7 hours Spending time on social media.

Risk of diseases: Digital addiction has been found to be directly related to depression, anxiety, lack of sleep and cyber bullying.

Economic Loss: If the focus of the young generation remains on reels and gaming instead of studies and skill development, then the country will not be able to benefit from India’s ‘demographic dividend’ (youth power).

Is India learning from the world?

The Government of India has given this suggestion after the recent law of Australia, where under 16 years There is a complete ban on social media for children of this age. Even in India, states like Andhra Pradesh and Goa are considering making laws in this direction.

Will this become law?

The recommendations of the Economic Survey are not binding on the government, but they form the basis of future policies. This can be discussed during the budget session and in the coming time, strict rules can be implemented under the ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Act’ (DPDP).