Smartphones and social media are part of everyday life for young people. They bring real benefits: staying in touch with friends, finding information, learning new skills and finding communities of people with shared interests. But there is growing concern about what heavy use is doing to young people's mental health, and about how parents, schools and other adults can help.
What the concern is about
In May 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health. It warned that there was not yet enough evidence to say that social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents, and it called on parents, technology companies and policymakers to act. The advisory noted that up to 95% of young people aged 13 to 17 use a social media platform, and that more than a third say they use it "almost constantly".
Concerns have been raised in India too. The common message is that the issue is not technology itself, but how much it is used, what it is used for, and what it displaces, such as sleep, exercise and time with family and friends.
Signs that screen use may be causing problems
Every young person is different, but adults should look out for:
- poor or shortened sleep, especially with phones in the bedroom at night
- withdrawal from family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
- irritability or distress when they cannot use their phone
- falling marks or difficulty concentrating
- low mood, anxiety or worries about appearance and comparison with others
- signs of online bullying, or of contact with strangers
None of these alone proves a problem, but a pattern of them is worth a gentle conversation.
Consent and age limits
Rules are starting to reflect these concerns. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 requires platforms to obtain verifiable consent from a parent before processing the personal data of children under 18, with the rules that put it into effect being phased in. Age limits and parental consent are not a complete answer, but they give families a starting point for setting boundaries.
What parents can do
- Talk early and often about what children see and do online, without judgement, so they come to you when something goes wrong.
- Agree family rules together, such as no phones at meals or in bedrooms at night.
- Use parental controls and privacy settings, and review them as children grow.
- Model good habits. Children notice how much the adults around them use their phones.
- Encourage offline activities, including sport, hobbies and time outdoors.
- Know where to get help. If you are worried about your child's mental health, speak to a doctor or counsellor. Tele-MANAS, the government mental health helpline, is available on 14416.
What schools and educators can do
- teach digital literacy, including how algorithms work and how to spot harmful content
- make it easy for students to report online bullying
- watch for changes in behaviour, mood or performance, and follow up kindly
- work with parents, so that messages at school and at home are consistent
Why it matters at work too
Many employees are parents, worried about these same issues at home. Many young people also enter the workforce as apprentices, interns or new joiners. Employers can help by offering awareness sessions for working parents, supporting young employees' wellbeing, and setting sensible expectations about being reachable outside working hours, which models a healthier relationship with technology for everyone.
A balanced approach
Technology is here to stay, and much of it is good. The goal is balance: helping young people enjoy the benefits of the digital world while protecting their sleep, relationships and mental health. That takes parents, educators, employers and young people themselves working together.
How Eduforce can help
Our Child Health & Wellness Training covers nutrition, activity, mental health and overall wellbeing for parents, teachers and health professionals, and our Stress Management training helps people recognise and reduce sustained pressure. To arrange a session, write to info@eduforce.in or message us on WhatsApp at 8779291591.
This article is for general awareness. If you are worried about a young person's mental health, speak to a doctor or counsellor, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416. In an emergency, call 112.
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