Digital addiction is identified as a significant health concern among children and young people, contributing to the country’s mental health crisis, as per the government’s Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey, presented in Parliament by Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, underscores the close connection between digital addiction and declining youth mental health. It points out that digital addiction hampers academic performance and workplace productivity by causing distractions, sleep deprivation, and reduced concentration. Additionally, it undermines social connections.
To combat this issue, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued guidelines promoting safe internet usage in schools and on school buses. The Ministry of Education’s Pragyatah framework offers direction for digital education planning, emphasizing screen time management. Moreover, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has laid down guidelines on screen time restrictions and online safety measures.
The survey also highlights the prevalence of social media addiction among individuals aged 15-24, which correlates strongly with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress from cyberbullying. Compulsive scrolling, social comparison, and gaming disorders are other challenges faced by Indian youth. These issues are increasingly causing sleep disturbances, aggression, social isolation, and depression, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable.
In response to these challenges, the government has implemented various initiatives. These include Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), which has received over 32 lakh calls since its launch in October 2022. The SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, offers specialized care for excessive technology use, focusing on adolescents and young adults. The Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025, is a significant step to address digital addiction and financial harm among the youth.
Recognizing that complete restriction of digital access is not feasible, the survey recommends establishing offline youth hubs, especially in urban slums and rural areas, to provide non-digital alternatives. It also suggests moderated online safe spaces managed by schools or similar institutions. Schools are emphasized as pivotal in shaping digital behaviors and are urged to introduce a Digital Wellness Curriculum covering screen time management, cyber safety, and mental health awareness. A holistic approach encompassing physical and mental well-being is deemed crucial for ensuring a resilient future.
