India should seriously consider introducing age-based restrictions on social media usage, a senior government adviser has said, reigniting a national debate on online safety, digital well-being, and the impact of social platforms on young users. The remarks come amid growing global concern over how social media affects children and adolescents, particularly in areas such as mental health, attention spans, misinformation exposure, and online addiction.
The adviser noted that while social media platforms have become powerful tools for communication, creativity, and economic opportunity, they also carry risks that disproportionately affect younger users. Easy access to unfiltered content, algorithm-driven feeds, and constant online validation can influence behaviour, self-image, and emotional development, especially among teenagers. Age-based curbs, the adviser suggested, could help create a more balanced digital ecosystem without undermining freedom of expression.
India, home to one of the world’s largest internet user bases, has seen explosive growth in social media adoption over the last decade. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, X, and short-video apps are now deeply embedded in everyday life, with millions of users joining at increasingly younger ages. While most platforms officially restrict access to users below 13, enforcement remains weak, and age verification mechanisms are often easy to bypass.
The adviser emphasised that any age-based regulation should not be viewed as a blanket ban but as a calibrated policy tool. Options under discussion include limiting access to certain features for minors, restricting algorithmic content recommendations for younger users, or mandating stronger parental controls. The focus, according to the adviser, should be on harm reduction rather than outright prohibition.
Globally, several countries are already experimenting with stricter rules. Australia has debated raising the minimum age for social media use, while parts of Europe have pushed for stronger age verification and data protection for minors under the EU’s Digital Services Act. In the United States, multiple states are exploring laws that would require parental consent for minors to access social media platforms. These international developments are being closely studied by Indian policymakers.
However, the idea of age-based curbs has also drawn criticism. Digital rights activists argue that such measures could be difficult to implement fairly and may lead to privacy concerns if platforms are forced to collect more personal data for age verification. Others warn that overly restrictive rules could limit young people’s access to educational content, online communities, and digital skills crucial for the modern economy.
Industry stakeholders, meanwhile, stress the need for shared responsibility. Social media companies have highlighted investments in AI-driven content moderation, screen-time reminders, and child-safety features. Experts argue that regulation alone cannot address the issue and must be complemented by digital literacy programs, parental awareness, and mental health support systems.
The adviser acknowledged these concerns, stating that consultation with parents, educators, technology firms, and civil society would be essential before any policy is finalised. “This is not about control, but about care,” the adviser said, adding that the goal is to protect vulnerable users while preserving the open nature of the internet.
As India continues to shape its broader digital governance framework, including data protection and online safety laws, the conversation around age-based social media curbs is likely to intensify. Whether such measures become policy or remain advisory, the discussion signals a shift toward placing user well-being especially that of children at the centre of India’s digital future.
