𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧

Vijayawada: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Andhra Pradesh Zone, has welcomed the announcement made by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, regarding the proposed policy to restrict social media usage for children below the age of 13. This initiative reflects a timely recognition of the growing concerns surrounding digital addiction and the harmful impact of unregulated online exposure on young minds.

In the contemporary digital age, social media platforms have evolved into powerful environments that shape attitudes, behaviour, and identity among adolescents. Excessive screen exposure and unregulated access to digital platforms are increasingly linked with reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, anxiety, declining academic engagement, and exposure to inappropriate content at an early age.

Global reports further underline the seriousness of this challenge. According to the World Health Organisation (2023), one in seven adolescents worldwide experiences a mental health disorder, with excessive digital consumption emerging as a major contributing factor. These trends highlight the urgent need for responsible digital governance and safeguards that prioritise the well-being of children.

SIO Andhra Pradesh believes that protecting children from harmful digital environments is not merely a technological concern but a broader societal responsibility. Public policy must ensure that technological advancement does not come at the cost of the psychological, moral, and intellectual development of the younger generation.

While appreciating the government’s proposal to restrict social media access for children below 13 years, SIO Andhra Pradesh respectfully suggests that policymakers consider raising the minimum age threshold to at least 18 years, or introducing stronger regulatory protections for adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18. Adolescence is a crucial phase of emotional and cognitive development, and exposure to algorithm-driven content ecosystems during this period can significantly influence behaviour, values, and social outlook.

SIO Andhra Pradesh also recommends a comprehensive framework that includes:

• Effective age-verification mechanisms on social media platforms,
• Digital literacy and responsible technology education for students and parents,
• Awareness initiatives addressing digital addiction and online exploitation, and
• Policy measures to protect young audiences from harmful and degrading online content.

SIO Andhra Pradesh has reiterated its commitment to supporting policies that promote the holistic development, mental well-being, and ethical growth of young people, and called for collective efforts from policymakers, educators, families, and civil society to build a healthier and safer digital ecosystem for children.