Harbhajan Singh Addresses Dangers of Obscene Content on Social Media Impacting Teens
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New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) - Harbhajan Singh, a member of Rajya Sabha and former Indian cricket star, expressed alarm on Thursday regarding the escalating prevalence of obscene content on social media platforms and its detrimental effects on adolescents. He advocated for more stringent regulations and enhanced laws to tackle this pressing issue.
Speaking with IANS outside the Rajya Sabha, Harbhajan Singh emphasized that while social media serves as a robust tool for communication, knowledge dissemination, and innovation, its misuse has become increasingly alarming. He noted that platforms like Instagram are being exploited in ways that expose young users to material akin to soft pornography.
He highlighted that in today's digital landscape, obscene material is alarmingly accessible, allowing children, some as young as 12 or 13, to encounter such content with a mere click, often without grasping the implications of what they are viewing. He asserted that this exposure could severely affect the mental and moral development of young individuals.
Describing the situation as profoundly serious, Harbhajan Singh stated that it transcends mere technical or legal issues and directly influences societal values, morality, and the future of the nation’s youth. He cautioned that easy access to pornographic content could warp children's perceptions of relationships and respect, particularly towards women.
The Rajya Sabha member warned that permitting such content to circulate unchecked on social media could jeopardize the social fabric of the country and shape the behaviors and attitudes of younger users negatively. He stressed that social media should primarily serve educational, learning, and creative purposes rather than facilitate the spread of harmful and obscene content.
Calling for decisive action, Harbhajan Singh insisted on implementing strict restrictions and stringent laws to block access to pornographic websites and regulate inappropriate online content. He highlighted the necessity for rigorous monitoring systems, age-verification processes, and severe penalties for rule violations.
While acknowledging that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, he argued that it must be balanced with protective measures to shield children from harmful content and ensure that society is not adversely affected by its proliferation.