Archive · 30 Jan 2026
India Addresses Digital Addiction and NCDs
The Indian government is worried about two big problems: too many people are getting sick from things like obesity and diabetes, and young people are spending too much time on their phones and social media.
This is making them anxious, sad, and not doing well in school.
The government is looking at ways to help, like setting rules for screen time and teaching people about healthy habits.
They are also studying what other countries are doing to solve these problems.
The goal is to keep everyone healthy and happy while still using technology in a good way.
India is facing a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.
Digital addiction among youth is linked to anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the need for preventive measures and behavioural change campaigns.
Government initiatives include Tele-MANAS for mental health support and the SHUT Clinic for digital addiction.
Global responses to digital addiction vary, with some countries implementing bans and others focusing on digital wellness.
- Who
- Indian government, health experts, young population, social media platforms
- What
- Rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and digital addiction among youth
- When
- Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday
- Where
- India, with global context including Australia, China, Singapore, UK
- Why
- To address public health challenges and economic productivity linked to health outcomes
Restrictive Measures
Promoting Balance
Social Media Access
Restrictive Measures
Implement age-based restrictions or bans on social media access for children.
Promoting Balance
Focus on promoting digital wellness and balanced usage rather than outright bans.
Digital Addiction Solutions
Restrictive Measures
Enforce strict regulations and screen time limits to curb digital addiction.
Promoting Balance
Encourage offline activities, moderated online spaces, and digital detox centers.
- Primary Health Concerns
- Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, digital addiction
- Obesity Statistics
- 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men aged 15-49 are overweight or obese
- Digital Addiction Impact
- Reduced concentration, sleep deprivation, anxiety, declining academic performance
- Government Initiatives
- Tele-MANAS, SHUT Clinic, Digital Wellness Curriculum, Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025
- Global Precedents
- Australia banned social media for children under 16, China limits gaming time for minors
- Preventive Measures
- Expanded screening for NCDs, behaviour change campaigns, public health education
- Digital Economy Contribution
- 11.74% of national income in FY23, projected 13.42% in FY25
- Internet Usage Statistics
- 48% watched videos, 43% used social media, 40% accessed email/music, 26% made digital payments in 2024
Sources
Digital Addiction Emerging As Major Concern In Children And Youth: Economic Survey 2025-26
India’s chief economic adviser urges age-based curbs on social media
Consider age based social media restrictions to check ‘digital addiction’: Economic Survey
Economic Survey red flags digital addiction as hurting teen mental health — Here’s what it recommends to fix it
Economic Survey calls for social media age limit: How this will this tackle digital addiction
Digital addiction can hurt jobs, earnings and economy, warns Economic Survey
Economic Survey flags digital addiction risk for India’s youth, advocates for balance over bans
Andhra Pradesh Deliberates Guidelines For Safer Online Spaces For Children
Obesity, Diabetes And Digital Addiction Rising In India: Economic Survey 2025-26 Healthcare Insights
'Digital Addiction Fueling Youth Mental Health Crisis': Economic Survey 2025-26
Economic survey calls for age-based access to online platforms to curb digital addiction - Telegraph India
Economic Survey calls for data sovereignty as India trails in AI training startups
Healthcare, care infra key to women staying in work, says Economic Survey 2025 26
Economic Survey 2025 26: India’s digital boom collides with a growing addiction challenge
Economic Survey flags rising digital addiction among kids, youth in India. Will govt put curbs?
Economic Survey flags ‘digital addiction’ crisis: Warns of mental health toll on India’s youth
Eco Survey favours AI Economic Council to calibrate adoption pace; trains lens on cognitive aspects
India should consider age-based limits for social media, chief economic adviser says
‘Predatory by design’: CEA Nageswaran backs age based limits on social media
Economic Survey 2026: Gig jobs surges, set to form 6.7% of India’s workforce by 2029–30
Andhra calls tech giants for talks as it mulls social media ban for children
Survey calls for age-based social media curbs to check 'digital addiction'
AP to invite reps of social media giants to GoM meet
Economic Survey 2025 26 backs vocational education in schools, flags digital addiction risks - Telegraph India
Economic survey calls out ‘predatory’ social media platforms, opens door to online age curbs
Survey flags rising digital addiction among kids
K’taka govt holding consultations on measures for responsible use of AI, social media: Minister