People, mostly teens and even children, are using excessive amounts of time on digital devices. The negative consequences of digital addiction could prove disadvantageous from social isolation, neglecting responsibilities, and physical health problems.
According to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, a study was conducted on “Effects (Physical, Behavioral and Psycho-Social) of using Mobile Phones and other devices with internet accessibility by children ”. As per the study, 23.80% of children use smartphones while they are in bed, before going to sleep, which increases with age, and 37.15% of children always or frequently experience reduced levels of concentration due to smartphone use.
Together with the increase in smartphones and the internet in recent years, there is a rise in reports that teenagers struggle with issues of mental health and concentration on studies.
Teens who are glued to digital devices, researches have shown, may neglect their personal hygiene and daily responsibilities, such as homework and chores, in favour of spending time online.
According to the government, its policies are aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet for its users. With the expansion of the Internet and more and more Indians coming online, the potential for children being exposed to information not meant for them has grown. The government says it is cognizant of the same and the need to have in place appropriate methods to protect and limit involvement of minors.
In this regard, the Information Technology Act, 2000 penalises publishing or transmission of material containing sexually explicit act in electronic form (section 67A and 67B) and publishing or transmitting of obscene material in electronic form (section 67), and makes them punishable with imprisonment for a period that may extend to three and five years respectively, and as per section 77B such cybercrimes are cognizable offences. As per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, prevention and investigation of cognizable offences is to be done by the police and as such States are primarily responsible for the prevention, investigation etc. of such cybercrimes through the State police departments, which take preventive and penal action as per law, including in respect of the cybercrimes pertaining to publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act or obscene material in electronic form.
While laws need to be implemented in right earnest, issues about excess use of smartphones need the intervention of all sections of society including parents, teachers, academia, and others.