Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) In light of the detrimental effects stemming from the escalating issue of digital addiction among minors and its repercussions on their mental and physical health, Maharashtra’s Minister for Information Technology, Ashish Shelar, has instructed the Information Technology Department to form a task force of specialists to delve into this matter and propose viable solutions.

The Minister referenced the Economic Survey 2025–26, published by the Union Ministry of Finance on January 29, which underscored the growing dangers of social media addiction affecting the youth and children.

This report advocates for establishing age restrictions on social media access for minors and limiting digital advertisements aimed at children.

Given the gravity of this issue from a Maharashtra viewpoint and the findings from the Economic Survey, Minister Shelar has directed Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department, Virendra Singh, to initiate the formation of this task force.

The anticipated task force will encompass education specialists, psychiatrists, child counselors, technology professionals, management experts, medical practitioners, legal advisors, along with officials from relevant government sectors, as stated by the Minister.

“The task force's mandate will encompass safeguarding children, analyzing the mental health impact, promoting responsible use of digital platforms, assessing educational effects, and exploring cultural and familial influences, gender disparities, urban-rural gaps, inclusivity across various income levels, productivity, and broader economic consequences, in addition to reviewing existing national and international guidelines for children’s digital safety,” he explained.

Stressing the necessity for proactive governmental measures to ensure the comprehensive welfare of children in the digital era, Minister Shelar asserted that now is the opportune moment to embrace a well-informed and balanced strategy to tackle this pressing challenge.

He pointed out that the state is home to around 40 million children under the age of 18, with nearly 30 million being younger than 15. Thus, the mental and physical health of children is a matter of significant public concern.

In his correspondence, the Minister also noted findings shared at the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society, which reported a concerning rise in mental health issues among youth, with over 50% of mental disorders manifesting before age 18, and a noticeable increase in these challenges among individuals under 35.

He highlighted the urgent requirement for preventive actions. Based on the Economic Survey’s recommendations and insights from experts, Minister Shelar has instructed the Information Technology Department to carry out a thorough examination of the situation to craft a well-rounded and informed policy for the state.