Digital Influence on Children's Health: WHO Calls for Action

The World Health Organization has highlighted the significant impact of digital exposure on children's health, urging governments to regulate social media and online gaming. With rising concerns about mental health issues linked to excessive screen time, experts stress the need for protective measures. In India, alarming data shows that many students spend excessive hours on screens, leading to anxiety and reduced participation in physical activities. As states begin to implement stricter regulations, the call for action becomes increasingly urgent to safeguard the well-being of young users.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 20, 2026, 21:10 IST

The Impact of Digital Exposure on Children's Well-Being

The health of children is increasingly shaped not just by their diet, physical activity, or sleep patterns, but also by their engagement with the digital environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently emphasized the need for governments worldwide to acknowledge the significant role of social media, online gaming, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) in influencing children's health. In a collaborative statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for enhanced regulations on digital platforms and the implementation of age-appropriate protections for young users.

This alert comes amid growing evidence linking excessive digital exposure to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, aggression, feelings of loneliness, and even suicidal tendencies among youth. The WHO has also raised alarms regarding online sexual exploitation, AI-generated abusive content, misinformation, and targeted marketing strategies aimed at children.

Experts note that while discussions about children's mental health often center on diagnosed disorders, the initial signs of distress can be quite subtle. Dr. Nand Kumar, a Psychiatry Professor at AIIMS, points out that many children do not seek psychiatric help due to their excessive screen time, leading to gradual but noticeable impacts on their daily lives.

Rising Concerns in India: Data Insights

India Is Seeing The Warning Signs; Know The Data

Recent data from India reflects a concerning trend. A nationwide survey by the National Council of CBSE Schools (NCCS), which included around 630,000 participants, revealed that 74% of CBSE students spend over two hours daily on screens for non-academic activities, with 21% exceeding four hours on mobile devices, gaming, and social media.

Teachers are also observing these effects in classrooms, with nearly 69% reporting a decline in students' concentration and attention spans, 63% noting increased anxiety and irritability, and 66% indicating reduced participation in outdoor activities. The Economic Survey for 2025-26 has identified digital addiction as a growing public health issue, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 24, linking excessive screen time to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, compulsive scrolling, gaming disorders, and social withdrawal.

This rising concern is reflected in the increasing demand for mental health support. Since its launch in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS helpline has received over 3.2 million calls, underscoring the urgent need for mental health interventions across the nation.

In response to these challenges, several states are implementing stricter regulations. Karnataka has proposed a ban on social media access for children under 16, while Andhra Pradesh is considering restrictions for those under 13. Goa is also exploring similar initiatives. During a recent visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Canberra's decision to restrict access to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X for children under 16, stating that India is examining this approach for potential adoption.