The Concerns of Indian Parents: Impact on Mental Health and Self-Perception
The addictive nature of platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X has long been a concern among Indian parents. With social media heavily influencing how young people perceive themselves, many parents believe it affects not only their children’s mental health but also their decision-making and time management skills. Sapna Trivedi, a Class 12 student, admits to spending hours on Instagram daily, noting, “I waste my time using it.” For her, like many others, social media is both a distraction and a source of pressure.
Cyberbullying and the “Coolness” Pressure
Beyond addiction, social media introduces an added layer of pressure, especially with the normalization of online “coolness” as early as Class 6. Lakshmi Satish, a Bengaluru-based teacher and mother, points out the superficial “cool factor” associated with having a social media presence. “Their identity revolves around likes, comments, and followers,” she says, adding that cyberbullying and peer pressure are pervasive and often damaging.
An Alternative View: Balance, Education, and Parental Guidance
While some parents call for stricter regulations, others believe that banning social media may not be the answer. Ghaziabad-based teacher Pooja Verma is one such parent who finds value in educational content available on YouTube. For her children, aged 11 and 13, YouTube has been a valuable tool for learning, whether through science and math tutorials or storytelling videos. “We are generally close by when they use the tablet and encourage them to watch educational content,” she explains.
Social media content creators, too, have a strong stance on the issue. Arun Singh, a journalist and digital influencer known as “Jhumroo,” argues that banning social media would only intensify its appeal. “A complete ban only leads to rebellion,” he says, suggesting that teenagers might resort to finding alternate ways to access restricted content. Instead, Singh advocates for an approach akin to sex education, where teenagers are guided, not restricted. “You can’t prevent attraction, just like you can’t eliminate curiosity about social media. What we can do is counsel them and help them understand.”
The Path Forward: Finding a Balanced Solution
As debates continue over Australia’s social media ban for minors, Indian parents and educators are contemplating a balanced approach that combines protection with guidance. For some, regulation is necessary to protect young minds from social media’s downsides. For others, especially influencers and digital advocates, education and responsible usage training offer a more sustainable solution.
As India navigates this conversation, the views reflect a complex, nuanced issue. Both perspectives highlight the need for a mindful approach to young people’s social media usage, balancing protection with the recognition that social media, like all technology, is best used as a tool for growth rather than a cause for restriction.