In India, Children As Young As Nine Are Addicted To Gaming & Social Media: Survey

The survey, conducted by community social media platform LocalCircles, showed that over 40 per cent urban Indian parents have admitted that their children, all aged between nine and 17, are addicted to videos, gaming and social media. 55 per cent urban Indian parents said their children, who were aged between nine and 13, had access to a smartphone for all or most of the day, while 71 per cent said their children, aged between 13 and 17, have access to a smartphone for all or most of the day.

The survey revealed that most parents believe that excessive use of gadgets and easy access via online school activity during the pandemic are key reasons that their children are addicted to social media, videos and gaming. Experts said overuse of social media can lead to poor sleep, irritability, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficulty in concentration.

There is also much discontent over the minimum age to open a social media account, with 68 per cent of parents saying it should be raised from 13 to 15 years, as per the survey. Most social media platforms have set 13 as the minimum age to open an account.

The central government has reportedly set up a committee to regulate online gaming and identify a ministry to oversee and study global best practices and recommend a uniform regulation. It will also take into account protection of gamers from user harms such as addiction. The panel is soon expected to submit a report.