Kerala seeks public views on curbing social media addiction among children

The Education Department of Kerala is seeking public suggestions on how to curb the increasing trend of social media addiction among children.

State Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty, stated on Tuesday that, although technology is now an integral part of our lives, the increasing dependence of children on social media is a very serious issue that requires an urgent debate.

He said that many developed countries and Indian states have already started passing laws to control children's use of social media.

"Since Kerala is a state that tops the country in internet literacy and mobile usage, this discussion is of utmost importance, " Sivankutty said to the media.

He lamented the fact that children nowadays, whose childhood was once full of outdoor play and social interactions, are now confined to the mobile phone screens.

By continuously staying in front of screens for long hours, children are suffering in their physical health as well as in their mental health, and the repercussions are also seen in their social interactions.

The minister stated that if a generation of kids who are almost entirely dependent on the virtual world is produced, then it might be a big problem for the future of the society

He also mentioned that the government does not intend to prohibit people from using the internet at all. The emphasis is rather on encouraging individuals to be responsible and to use technology in a balanced way.

The government is inviting members of the public to give their views on whether a very strict law should be enacted to control children's usage of social media, or if more attention should be given to awareness programmes for parents and children.

Sivankutty said that the government is looking for the public to come forward with good ideas and to cooperate in a way that their children will be safe and healthy.