Urgent Call for Social Media Accountability and Child Safety

In the Rajya Sabha, MP Milind Murli Deora urged for greater accountability of social media companies, citing their detrimental impact on teenagers. He highlighted rising adolescent depression, suicides, and cyberbullying linked to digital platforms, and called for increased awareness and stricter regulation to safeguard children's mental health.

Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member, Milind Murli Deora, has made a compelling case for increasing the accountability of social media companies, citing their adverse effects on teenagers. Highlighting these concerns during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Deora emphasized the urgent need for greater awareness of the impact of social media and internet use on children and adolescents.

Deora pointed to a tragic incident involving the suicide of three teenage sisters in Ghaziabad, reportedly tied to online gaming addiction, to underline his point. 'Social media connects billions, amplifies voices, and democratises information, but its dark side must be accepted,' Deora stated, noting a sharp rise in teenage depression and suicides since 2010, linked to aggressive targeting by social media platforms.

He appealed for the implementation of stricter regulations, referencing several countries that have restricted social media use for teens. With India's existing Digital Personal Data Protection framework, Deora called for even tighter controls and the inclusion of digital literacy and mental health education in school curricula to better monitor and communicate with children. 'As a parent, I urge swift and decisive action to protect our youth,' Deora concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)