Odisha Parents Rally for Social Media Ban on Children Under 16
In a significant development echoing actions in other Indian states, a vocal section of parents in Odisha is demanding a ban on social media access for children below 16 years of age. This call comes as Karnataka considers implementing such a restriction, with Andhra Pradesh and Goa also exploring similar measures, highlighting a growing nationwide concern over the increasing dependency of students on digital devices.
Growing Concerns Over Mental Health and Academic Distractions
Bhumohan Bebarta Pattnaik, head of the national parents federation, emphasized that the reliance on mobile phones for online classes has created a scenario where students have round-the-clock access to these devices. "While not using phones for academic purposes, children are automatically drawn towards social media and gaming apps, which results in endless scrolling and often anxiety," he stated. The federation plans to submit a formal proposal to the Odisha school and mass education department soon, advocating for a ban to curb these negative impacts.
Suryasmita Panda, a member of the Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangha, supported this view, noting that past discussions with the education department about regulated social media usage have now become urgent. "This has now become a necessity because children, through social media, are exposed to several experiences, which they are not mentally prepared for," she explained, pointing to the psychological risks associated with unmonitored online exposure.
Tragic Incidents Highlight the Urgency
The push for restrictions is underscored by alarming incidents in the state. Over the past year, at least three child suicides have been reported in Odisha, linked to restrictions imposed on phone usage by parents or teachers. The most recent case occurred in August last year in Balasore district, where a 13-year-old boy allegedly took his own life after his father prevented him from playing online games. These tragedies have intensified calls for proactive measures to address gadget addiction among youth.
Debate Over Total Ban Versus Awareness Campaigns
However, not all parents advocate for a complete prohibition. Suman Mishra, a mother of two teenagers, cautioned that a total ban on social media might be ineffective without parallel efforts to educate children about its pros and cons. "No parent today has the time to keep a 24x7 watch on their child. So, creating awareness among them is necessary," she argued. Mishra suggested that instead of an outright ban, guidelines should be established to manage gadget and social media addiction, acknowledging that dependency on technology is an accepted part of today's education system.
National Context and Government Response
This local demand aligns with broader national discussions. Last month, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned at an AI Summit that the central government is actively considering age restrictions for various social media apps, indicating a potential policy shift at the federal level. As states like Karnataka lead the way, Odisha's parents are joining a growing chorus seeking to balance digital access with child safety and well-being.
The outcome of these proposals could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues, making this a critical moment for policymakers, educators, and families across India.
