Several members in the Rajya Sabha on February 2 flagged what they called a growing health and development crisis among children, raising concerns over rising smartphone addiction and a sharp increase in myopia cases across the country.
BJP MP Lehar Singh Siroya warned that excessive smartphone use among school-going children is seriously affecting their concentration, social skills and mental health. He likened the impact to drug addiction, saying it is “impairing concentration and social development” at a critical age.
Referring to steps taken in some other countries where social media access has been restricted for users below 16, Siroya said India should also consider limits on smartphone and social media use to protect children from addictive algorithms, harmful content and cyberbullying.
The health aspect was further highlighted by BJP member Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, who drew attention to the rapid spread of myopia among children and young adults in both urban and rural areas. He cautioned that severe myopia can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic neuropathy and even early cataracts, increasing the risk of permanent vision loss.
Gopchade said prolonged screen exposure is causing eye strain, headaches and difficulties in writing, which in turn affects children’s overall mental and physical development. He suggested compulsory eye check-ups at the time of school admission and at regular intervals, along with at least two hours of outdoor activity every day and stricter limits on screen time.
Concerns over regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms were also raised during the session. RJD MP AD Singh called for a statutory authority to monitor objectionable content, arguing that the IT Rules notified in 2021 have failed to address the issue effectively due to weak grievance redressal and lack of accountability. He pointed to a rise in content promoting violence, obscenity and communal tension.
Apart from these issues, members also took up a range of other matters, including the need for an export-import facility centre in Bihar, approval of the Hosur International Airport project in Tamil Nadu, conservation of Sikkim’s endangered Siri cow breed, provision of breakfast along with midday meals in government schools, and the promotion of geothermal energy projects.