The government will examine the Economic Survey’s recommendations on age-based access to online platforms and take a decision after considering all viewpoints, IT Secretary S Krishnan said on Thursday.
The Economic Survey 2025–26 had suggested that age-based access limits to digital platforms should be explored and that online teaching hours be reduced to help curb rising digital addiction among children. The report, tabled in Parliament last week, recommended that online platforms be made responsible for enforcing age verification and that simpler, safer devices be promoted for children to access educational content.
The issue has gained attention following the Ghaziabad triple suicide case, in which three minor sisters allegedly jumped from a ninth-floor flat, raising concerns over online gaming addiction and exposure to harmful content.
“You have seen what the Economic Survey has to say. A number of views are being expressed. We will examine all the views and take a call,” Krishnan told reporters on the sidelines of an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) conference. He was responding to a question on whether India may consider measures similar to Australia to restrict children’s access to the internet.
The Economic Survey emphasised that schools should play a key role in shaping healthy digital habits among children. It suggested promoting devices designed specifically for educational use, with safeguards to prevent exposure to harmful content.
“Policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content. 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,” the survey said.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran had earlier said some state governments, including Andhra Pradesh and Goa, are exploring policies on age-based access to online platforms. He added that the issue also requires action from families, schools and civil society, not just government regulation.
The survey identified digital addiction as a growing concern affecting the mental health of both children and adults. It called for greater awareness among families and recommended measures such as screen-time limits, device-free hours and more offline activities. It also referred to steps taken by countries like Australia, China and South Korea to address excessive screen use and online risks.