Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Ban of Childrens Social Media Use
The Supreme Court has requested the Indian government to respond to a petition seeking a ban on childrens use of social media for safety.
New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the central government regarding a petition demanding a ban on children’s use of social media. This petition aims to establish stricter regulations to protect children from online dangers. The next hearing is scheduled for December 3.
The petition was filed by Emerald Heights International School and its director. It asserts that safeguarding children from online threats is a constitutional responsibility of both the state and central governments. The petition highlights the mental and physical challenges children face due to social media, arguing that a ban is the only practical solution.
The petitioners expressed deep concern over the potential impacts of social media on children’s mental and physical health. They noted that uncontrolled social media use can lead to issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional distress, and low self-esteem.
Additionally, the petition addresses the collection of data related to children’s behavior and the design of platforms aimed at keeping children engaged for extended periods. The petitioners argue that many of these dangers are not immediately apparent and often go unnoticed by parents or teachers until significant harm has occurred.
The excessive use of social media and smartphones is increasingly seen as a serious threat to children’s mental and physical well-being. Reports indicate that approximately 37% of children suffer from depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying. The risk of anxiety and depression doubles for children aged 12 to 13 due to social media exposure.
