Unplugging India: MP Jha Seeks to Curb Digital Addiction Among Youth

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has urged the Rajya Sabha to address the unregulated exposure of children to social media, citing rising digital addiction. He highlighted concerning statistics and called for a comprehensive policy in India to safeguard children's developmental outcomes amid the growing accessibility of smartphones.

In a compelling statement in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed concerns about the soaring digital addiction among children and adolescents in India due to unregulated social media exposure.

Jha cited international measures, like Australia's 2025 law prohibiting children under 16 from using smartphones, and similar studies in India showing high usage rates among young people. He called for a comprehensive policy to curb excessive screen time in India.

Highlighting a study by LocalCircles and a large parent survey, Jha stressed the urgency of government intervention to protect young Indians' development, especially amid widespread smartphone ownership. He urged an open debate on statutory advisories on smartphone usage for families.

(With inputs from agencies.)