The Maharashtra government will constitute an expert task force to examine the growing concerns around children’s unregulated use of the internet and social media, after acknowledging that existing efforts to ensure online safety have fallen short, reported news agency PTI.
State IT Minister Ashish Shelar made the announcement in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, citing rising risks associated with increased digital exposure among minors.
Govt admits current measures are inadequate
Responding to a query, Ashish Shelar said surveys indicate a sharp rise in the use of mobile phones, internet platforms and social media among children below 16 years of age in the state, reported PTI.
He acknowledged that existing awareness programmes and safety initiatives have not delivered the expected results, particularly in addressing risks such as cybercrime, exposure to inappropriate content and excessive screen time, reported PTI.
Rising concerns over children’s digital habits
The minister noted that parents, experts and social organisations have raised repeated concerns about the impact of prolonged screen exposure on children’s mental health, academic performance and social behaviour, reported PTI.
There have also been growing demands for regulatory measures such as screen-time limits, parental controls and age-based restrictions to manage children’s digital engagement more effectively.
Expert task force to study issue in detail
Shelar said the proposed task force, to be set up by the Information Technology Department, will include experts from multiple sectors and will conduct a comprehensive study of children’s digital usage patterns, reported PTI.
The panel will examine the extent of social media use among minors, its psychological and physical effects, and the role of online gaming, digital advertising and content platforms in shaping behaviour.
Review of global frameworks and policy options
The task force will also analyse existing national and international regulatory frameworks to identify best practices. It is expected to recommend legal, technical and administrative measures to enhance child safety in the digital space, reported PTI.
The report will be submitted within a specified timeframe, following which the government will decide on further action.
Possible steps include regulations and awareness drives
The minister said the state is considering multiple measures, including strengthening awareness campaigns, improving coordination between schools and parents, and, if necessary, introducing legal provisions to regulate children’s use of digital platforms, reported PTI.
Focus on safe and responsible technology use
Shelar emphasised that the objective is not to restrict access entirely but to promote responsible and safe use of technology while safeguarding children’s well-being, reported PTI.
The proposed initiative reflects growing recognition of the challenges posed by rapid digital adoption and the need for updated policies to protect younger users.
(With inputs from PTI)
