New Delhi: Describing digital addiction among young and adults as a “growing public health concern”, the Economic Survey 2025–26 proposed exploring regulatory and community based models which restrict social media and gaming access for teenagers.
“Digital addiction among youth has become a significant public health concern, prompting regulatory, therapeutic, and educational responses from governments, health institutions, and civil society,” it flagged.
Citing examples from Australia, China and and South Korea—later repealed, as well as self-regulatory models in Singapore, the survey argued for bringing restrictions to address the escalating threat.
Rising addiction of online games and social media are making youth in the country prone to what the WHO classifies as “Gaming Disorder,” characterized by prioritizing gaming over other activities and continuing to play despite negative consequences.
“Excessive screen time, driven by algorithm-led engagement and always-on connectivity, is reshaping behaviour, mental health and productivity, especially among children and young adults,” said Nilesh Maheshwari, Partner – Health Transformation, Grant Thornton Bharat
While the survey highlighted several policy measures taken by the government to address mental health challenges—such as the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline and restrictions on online gaming—it emphasized that “developing a comprehensive set of indicators is essential to assess the multidimensional impact of interventions targeting digital addiction.”
According to the survey a major challenge in addressing digital addiction in India is the lack of comprehensive national data on its prevalence and mental health effects, which hinders targeted intervention, resource allocation, and integration of digital wellness into national mental health strategies.
In response to this growing concern, the survey proposed platforms should be made responsible for enforcing age verification and age-appropriate defaults, particularly for social media, gambling apps, auto-play features, and targeted advertising.
Outlining several network-based safety measures, it added that by offering family data plans with differentiated quotas for educational versus recreational apps and content filters with default blocking of high-risk categories.
Meanwhile to provide alternatives to digital spaces, the document suggests, “governments and communities should establish offline youth hubs, particularly in urban slums and rural areas”
The survey highlighted that digital addiction extends beyond youth, affecting adults as well, and recommended measures such as awareness initiatives in colleges and workplaces, creation of technology-free zones.
“What began as digital inclusion is now tipping into overconsumption, affecting attention spans, learning outcomes and workforce efficiency,” Maheshwari said adding that, “if left unaddressed, digital addiction could dilute India’s demographic dividend.”
