A Generation Online
The digital world is a native environment for a vast majority of Indian youth. With widespread smartphone access, the internet has become an indispensable tool for education, socialisation, and entertainment. Recent reports highlight that a significant
percentage of young people spend several hours online daily. For instance, a 2024 UNICEF survey noted 40 per cent of young people are online for more than four hours each day. While this connectivity offers immense benefits, the government’s Economic Survey 2025-26 also flagged a concerning rise in digital addiction, describing it as a growing public health risk that impacts mental health, academic performance, and social skills. This creates a complex reality for parents and educators to navigate: how to harness the good while mitigating the very real dangers.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Among the most distressing digital harms is cyberbullying. Recent surveys paint a stark picture. A LocalCircles survey highlighted that one in two urban parents said their children aged 9 to 17 had faced cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or online harassment. This isn't limited to urban centres; research shows cyberbullying is a pervasive issue. A 2025 meta-analysis found the pooled prevalence of cyberbullying among Indian adolescents to be 19%. These experiences can have severe psychological consequences, leading to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and, in tragic cases, even suicide. Experts note that the 24/7 nature of online harassment can make victims feel constantly unsafe, with the potential for humiliating content to be shared widely, amplifying feelings of shame and helplessness.
The 'Stranger Danger' Myth and Other Risks
While parents often worry about anonymous predators, a 2026 nationwide survey called SCREEN found that young people are more likely to face unwanted contact from people they know. The survey of around 4,000 youth revealed that 37.9% reported unwanted contact from known persons like friends or classmates, compared to 23.4% from strangers. Beyond direct harassment, other significant risks include exposure to inappropriate and harmful content, including Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM). The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently taken action against social media platforms for the circulation of such material. Other harms include digital addiction, misinformation, online scams, and AI-generated deepfakes, which a LocalCircles survey found 46% of parents were concerned about.
The Emotional and Mental Toll
The impact of these digital harms is not trivial. The Economic Survey 2025-26 directly linked social media addiction in those aged 15-24 with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. About 60% of young people in another survey reported negative emotional responses to their time online, including anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing 'fear of missing out' (FOMO). Parents have observed these effects firsthand, with 61% of those whose children faced bullying reporting anger or aggressive behaviour, and 54% noting emotional withdrawal. Sleep disruption is another common consequence, negatively affecting focus and academic performance. This growing mental health crisis linked to digital life underscores the urgency for proactive intervention.
The 'Next Step' for Guardians and Policymakers
Understanding these risks is the first step; the next is taking informed action. For parents and guardians, this means fostering open communication. Many young people hesitate to report bad online experiences, but studies show they are most likely to turn to friends or parents for support. Establishing screen-time limits and device-free hours is also crucial. For their part, policymakers are responding. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires verifiable parental consent for processing a child's data and prohibits targeted advertising at children. The government is also pushing platforms to develop better age-verification technologies to create safer, age-appropriate online environments. The goal is not to ban access but to build a more responsible and secure digital ecosystem for India's next generation.
