In response to the rising issue of digital addiction impacting children’s well-being, Maharashtra’s Information Technology Minister, Ashish Shelar, has instructed the Information Technology Department to form a task force. This task force, as per the Economic Survey 2025–26, aims to study the issue thoroughly and propose effective solutions. The survey highlighted the growing risks of social media addiction among youth and minors, suggesting age restrictions on social media use and curbs on digital ads targeting minors.
Minister Shelar emphasized the severity of the situation in Maharashtra and the need for immediate action. The task force, to be led by the Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department, Virendra Singh, will comprise various experts including educationists, psychiatrists, and legal professionals. It will focus on aspects like child protection, mental health impact, responsible digital platform usage, and existing frameworks for children’s digital safety.
Stressing the importance of government intervention for children’s well-being in the digital era, Minister Shelar highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach. With around 40 million children under 18 in Maharashtra, of which nearly 30 million are under 15, ensuring their mental and physical health is a critical public concern. Referring to findings from the Indian Psychiatric Society’s conference, which noted a surge in mental health issues among the youth, the Minister underlined the urgency of preventive measures.
Citing the necessity to address the challenge based on expert advice and research, Minister Shelar urged the Information Technology Department to conduct a detailed study. The goal is to develop a well-informed policy to safeguard children’s well-being in the state.
