A study on Internet use among school-going children in India has highlighted concerns over its potential emotional and physical effects, including anxiety, sleep disturbances and mood changes. Supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the research recommends stronger digital literacy initiatives involving children, parents and schools. The study found that many children struggled to stop using the Internet even when they wanted to, regardless of how digitally skilled they considered themselves. This suggests difficulties with controlling online habits, although such behaviour should not automatically be treated as a clinical diagnosis of addiction. The report, titled Empowering Children in the Digital Age: Analysing Experiences and Vulnerabilities within the Framework of Vision Viksit Bharat and Sustainable Development Goals, examines children's experiences and vulnerabilities in an increasingly connected world. Digital platforms can provide children with opportunities to access information, develop skills, collaborate on academic work and express their creativity. However, the study also points to risks associated with online engagement, including cyberbullying and impersonation. The findings highlight a gap between children's technical ability to use digital platforms and their capacity to recognise risks, respond to uncomfortable experiences and seek help. Some children reportedly did not disclose troubling online experiences to their parents or teachers. To address these concerns, the study recommends a collaborative framework that brings together families, schools and other stakeholders. Digital literacy programmes should help children understand online risks, practise safer Internet habits and develop the critical skills needed to navigate digital spaces. The recommendations also stress the importance of equipping parents with digital knowledge so they can guide children effectively. Schools can support these efforts by encouraging open communication and promoting responsible technology use. The study calls for a coordinated approach to ensure children can benefit from emerging technologies while protecting their emotional and physical wellbeing.

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