Economic Survey's Insights on Digital Addiction

The Economic Survey highlights the growing issue of digital addiction among both children and adults. It suggests several measures to address this concern, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen time.

Recommendations for Addressing Digital Addiction

• Implementation of age-based access to online platforms in India.
• Introduction of a digital wellness curriculum in schools.
• Development of a comprehensive set of indicators to assess digital addiction interventions.
• Ensuring platform responsibility for enforcing age verification and appropriate defaults.
• Promotion of mandatory daily physical activity and creation of offline youth hubs.
• Reducing reliance on online teaching tools that increased post-Covid pandemic.
• Encouraging use of simpler devices, like basic phones or education-only tablets for children.
• Encouraging adults to regulate their screen time through awareness programs and 'digital diets'.
• Parental workshops to help recognize addiction signs and use control tools effectively.

National Context and Concerns

India had approximately 97 crore internet connections by 2024, with over 85% of households owning at least one smartphone. The survey notes that nearly all individuals aged 15-29 are online, shifting focus from access to behavioral and mental health impacts.

Issues Linked with Digital Addiction

• Social Media Addiction: Strongly associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress, particularly prevalent among those aged 15-24.
• Gaming Addiction: Linked to sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal, and depression.
• Online Gambling: Associated with financial stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Legislative Measures

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 has banned all real-money online games to address gaming addiction risks, effective from October 1, 2025.