India’s Economic Survey Urges Age-Gated Digital Access to Combat Youth Screen Addiction

India’s latest Economic Survey has drawn attention to the growing issue of compulsive screen use among young people. The report warns that excessive digital engagement is creating measurable economic and social costs, shifting the national challenge from connectivity to behavioral health.

📱 Age-Based Restrictions

The survey recommends that digital platforms introduce age verification systems and enforce age-appropriate defaults. This includes stricter controls on social media, gambling apps, autoplay features, and targeted advertising. The aim is to protect younger users from harmful engagement patterns in an increasingly digital environment.

📊 Economic Context

India’s digital economy now contributes 11.74% of national income (FY23). Internet connections have surged from 250 million in 2014 to nearly 970 million in 2024, with over 85% of households owning smartphones. Among the 15–29 age group, mobile and internet access is nearly universal, making behavioral health—not connectivity—the primary concern.

🧠 Impact of Digital Addiction

The survey links compulsive digital use to reduced academic performance, workplace productivity, and long-term employability. It highlights risks such as sleep debt, reduced focus, anxiety, depression, and financial stress. Streaming platforms, gaming apps, and short-video loops are specifically flagged for their role in poor sleep hygiene and concentration loss.

🏛️ Government & Policy Measures

Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran supported state-level initiatives, noting that Andhra Pradesh and Goa are considering restrictions for children under 16. He described digital addiction as a “silent scourge” that could undermine development if left unchecked.

The survey also proposes structural interventions:

• Promoting simpler devices like basic phones or education-only tablets for children.

• Introducing network-layer safeguards, such as family data plans with differentiated quotas.

• Creating offline youth hubs in urban and rural areas to encourage device-free socialization.

⚖️ Regulatory Framework

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before processing children’s data. Experts note that the Economic Survey’s recommendations align with existing frameworks, without imposing additional obligations.

🗣️ Expert Opinions

Policy analysts caution against overreach, arguing that indicators like stress or poor sleep cannot be solely attributed to screen time. Child psychologists, however, confirm that early exposure to screens is disrupting developmental processes. They emphasize that restrictions should be empathetic and educational rather than punitive, to prevent children from finding workarounds.

🧩 Wellness & Support

The survey encourages digital wellness education, voluntary screen-time limits, and workplace “buddy systems.” For adults, it suggests “digital diets” involving device-free periods. Mental health support services such as Tele-MANAS are recommended for expansion to address the psychological impact of digital overuse.