The Economic Survey 2025-2026 flagged the rapid rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health challenges in India.

The Economic Survey 2025-2026 flagged the rapid rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health challenges in India. It also called on the government to implement age-based limits for social media usage for children and digital advertisements targeted at them. Internet connections in India grew from 25.15 crore in 2014 to 96.96 crore in 2024. 85.5 per cent of households own at least one smartphone. Australia became the first country in the world to enforce a minimum age for social media use. Britain and France are also closely observing the Australian law and considering similar age-based measures.