Maharashtra Government Constitutes Expert Task Force to Study Social Media Impact on Minors
The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step by forming an expert task force dedicated to studying the impact of social media usage among minors. This initiative aims to address growing concerns about how digital platforms affect children's mental health, behavior, and learning outcomes. According to a government resolution issued on March 25, the panel will conduct a comprehensive analysis and recommend regulatory and policy measures to safeguard young users.
Scope and Objectives of the Task Force
The task force has been mandated to examine the extent and patterns of social media usage among individuals below 18 years of age. It will assess the impact on various aspects of development, including mental and physical health, behavior, education, and social growth. Additionally, the panel will study the influence of digital advertising on minors and review both national and international policies governing social media regulation to ensure a well-rounded approach.
Composition of the Expert Panel
The panel is chaired by the additional chief secretary or principal secretary of the school education and sports department, with the women and child development department serving as co-chair. Members include senior officials from key departments such as public health, information technology, law and judiciary, and home affairs. To provide diverse perspectives, the committee also includes representatives from academia and schools, such as the associate dean of commerce and management at the University of Mumbai, the principal of Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai, and the headmaster of a Marathi-medium school.
Furthermore, the task force incorporates input from NGOs working in the field, the Indian Psychiatric Society, and social media platforms. The director of the Directorate of Information Technology will act as the member secretary, ensuring coordination and effective implementation of the panel's work.
Insights from Task Force Members
Sunita George, principal of Bombay Scottish School and a member of the task force, highlighted the adverse effects of social media on classroom learning. She noted that quick, high-stimulated content is negatively impacting student attention and making classroom engagement more challenging. George emphasized the concern over excessive and unregulated use of social media by young children who are still developing self-control and cognitive abilities.
George also pointed out the rising issue of online harassment among students, including cyberbullying in closed groups through memes and AI-generated deepfakes, which are difficult for schools to track. While advocating for regulations, she cautioned against blanket restrictions, suggesting that safe, guided use with age-based and graded restrictions might be more practical. She highlighted enforcement challenges, noting that children, as digital natives, can bypass bans using VPNs or international servers, and stressed the need to hold digital platforms accountable while empowering parents and educators.
Timeline and Expected Outcomes
The task force has been instructed to submit a detailed report with recommendations within three months of its formation. The government anticipates that the findings will help frame a policy framework for Maharashtra that protects children while promoting responsible technology use. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by social media in the digital age, aiming to balance safety with innovation.
