Punjab Minister Calls for Age-Specific Social Media Regulations to Protect Children
In a significant move to address growing concerns over children's online safety, Punjab Minister Aman Arora informed the state assembly on Wednesday that the government will take up the matter with the Centre to frame rules on social media use by minors. The initiative aims to evaluate global best practices and implement age-specific guidelines to safeguard children's interests in the digital age.
Age-Specific Approach Over Blanket Bans
Responding to a call attention motion moved by independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, Minister Arora emphasized the need for a nuanced, age-specific strategy. "We must delineate what content is appropriate for children aged 8 to 12, versus 13 to 16, and what is suitable for those above 18," he stated. Arora warned that blanket bans often backfire, increasing psychological interest in prohibited items and driving young users toward unregulated corners of the internet.
He reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring the digital age remains a period of opportunity rather than addiction, highlighting the importance of protecting children from harmful online content.
Implementation of Digital Personal Data Protection Act
Arora referenced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, noting that Punjab is working closely with the Centre to implement its "verifiable parental consent" mandate for processing minors' data. The state is dedicated to adhering to age-gating and safety-by-design principles, with schools being encouraged to organize counselling sessions on screen addiction and mental health.
Comprehensive "Digital Safety Net" Strategy
Outlining the state's comprehensive "Digital Safety Net" strategy, Arora described it as a proactive measure to combat rising mobile phone addiction and children's exposure to harmful online content. He stressed that battling digital addiction requires a collective front involving the government, schools, and parents.
"This concern is not limited to Punjab or even India. It has emerged as a pressing global policy issue," Arora remarked. He cited examples such as Australia's recent law restricting social media accounts for children below 16, Karnataka's proposed similar ban, and Andhra Pradesh's consideration of restricting access for those under 13.
Punjab's Proactive Initiatives
Punjab has already launched multiple initiatives to tackle these challenges head-on. Key efforts include:
- Cyber Jaago Initiative: A collaborative effort with the cyber crime division of Punjab Police and the IT department, shifting from reactive policing to preventive education.
- Integrated Helpline: Punjab Police has integrated the national cybercrime helpline (1930) with the state's Dial-112 emergency response system, allowing citizens to report online fraud, cyberbullying, or cybercrime incidents through a single number.
- Project Jeevan Jyot 2.0: Establishment of district-level task forces specifically addressing online exploitation and abuse of children.
These measures underscore Punjab's commitment to creating a safer digital environment for minors, aligning with global trends and local needs to foster responsible internet usage.
