For this article:

9 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceScience & TechnologyEDITORIAL

Protecting Children from the Harms of Social Media: A Necessity

Social media poses risks to children; regulation and awareness are crucial.

Editorial Analysis

Children need protection from the harms of social media through stricter regulations, increased parental awareness, and educational initiatives.

Main Arguments:

  1. Excessive social media use negatively impacts children's mental health.
  2. Children are exposed to cyberbullying on social media platforms.
  3. There are privacy concerns related to children's data on social media.

Conclusion

Creating a safer online environment for children is crucial.

Policy Implications

Stricter regulations on social media platforms, increased parental awareness, and educational initiatives are needed.

The article emphasizes the need to protect children from the potential harms of social media. It discusses the negative impacts of excessive social media use on children's mental health, exposure to cyberbullying, and privacy concerns.

The author advocates for stricter regulations on social media platforms, increased parental awareness, and educational initiatives to promote responsible online behavior among children. The article highlights the importance of creating a safer online environment for children to mitigate the risks associated with social media.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Social Justice - Protection of vulnerable sections of the population

2.

GS Paper 3: Technology - Cyber security

3.

Connects to syllabus topics like government policies and interventions, issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to health, education, human resources.

Visual Insights

Key Concerns Regarding Children and Social Media

Highlights the need for stricter regulations, increased parental awareness, and educational initiatives to protect children from the harms of social media.

Negative Impacts on Mental Health
High

Excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, and body image issues in children. This is a growing concern for child psychologists and educators.

Exposure to Cyberbullying
Significant

Children are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying on social media platforms, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm. Requires proactive intervention.

Privacy Concerns
High

Children's personal data is often collected and used by social media platforms without adequate protection, raising serious privacy concerns. Stricter regulations are needed.

More Information

Background

The internet and social media have become integral parts of modern life, especially for children. Understanding the evolution of internet regulations is crucial. Initially, the internet was largely unregulated, but concerns about online safety and privacy led to the development of laws like the Information Technology Act, 2000 in India. This act aimed to provide a legal framework for electronic transactions and address cybercrimes. Over time, the focus shifted towards protecting children online. Various amendments and guidelines have been introduced to address issues like cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and data privacy. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by India, emphasizes the need to protect children from all forms of violence and exploitation, including online. This has influenced national policies and laws related to child protection. Several legal and constitutional provisions are relevant to protecting children online. Article 21A of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to education, which implicitly includes the right to a safe learning environment, both offline and online. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, also addresses offenses against children, including those committed online. These laws provide a framework for preventing and addressing harm to children in the digital space.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives focus on strengthening the legal framework and promoting awareness about online safety. The government has been working on amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000 to address emerging challenges like online gaming addiction and harmful content on social media platforms. These amendments aim to make social media companies more accountable for the content shared on their platforms. There are ongoing debates about the role of social media companies in regulating content and protecting children. Some argue for stricter regulations and greater oversight, while others emphasize the importance of self-regulation and parental involvement. Institutions like NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) are actively involved in monitoring and addressing issues related to child safety online. The future outlook involves a multi-pronged approach, including stricter regulations, increased parental awareness, and educational initiatives. The government aims to create a safer online environment for children by promoting responsible online behavior and holding social media companies accountable. Upcoming milestones include the implementation of new regulations and the launch of awareness campaigns to educate parents and children about online safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main concern regarding children and social media, as highlighted in the article?

The main concern is the potential harm social media can cause to children, including negative impacts on their mental health, exposure to cyberbullying, and privacy issues. The article emphasizes the need for regulation and awareness to mitigate these risks.

2. What are the key areas the government is focusing on to address online safety concerns?

The government is focusing on strengthening the legal framework, particularly through amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and promoting awareness about online safety. These amendments aim to make social media companies more accountable for the content on their platforms.

3. What is the Information Technology Act, 2000, and why is it relevant to this topic?

The Information Technology Act, 2000, is a law that provides a legal framework for electronic transactions and addresses cybercrime in India. It's relevant because current developments involve amending this act to address issues like harmful content on social media platforms and online gaming addiction, aiming to create a safer online environment for children.

4. What are some potential reforms needed to protect children from the harms of social media?

Reforms could include stricter regulations on social media platforms, increased parental awareness programs, and educational initiatives to promote responsible online behavior among children. Making social media companies more accountable for harmful content is also crucial.

5. What related concepts are important to understand in relation to protecting children from social media harms?

Important related concepts include Right to Privacy, Mental Health and Well-being, Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, Parental Responsibility and Guardianship, and the Information Technology Act (and Amendments). Understanding these concepts provides a comprehensive view of the challenges and solutions.

6. How might the recent amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000 impact social media companies?

The amendments aim to make social media companies more accountable for the content on their platforms. This could mean they will be required to take more responsibility for removing harmful content and protecting users, especially children, from cyberbullying and other online risks.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): 1. It is a legally binding international agreement outlining the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion, or abilities. 2. The UNCRC defines a child as any person under the age of 21 years, unless the age of majority is attained earlier under national law. 3. India is a signatory to the UNCRC but has not ratified its optional protocols. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1 and 3 only
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The UNCRC is a legally binding international agreement that outlines the rights of children. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The UNCRC defines a child as any person under the age of 18 years, not 21. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: India has ratified the UNCRC and its optional protocols on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

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