Study finds internet harms children's health

Research supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research found anxiety, sleep disturbances and mood changes are the most reported health consequences of internet use among children.

Most children access internet from home

A study titled Empowering Children in the Digital Age found ninety seven point six percent of children access the internet from home, with smartphones as the primary device.

Children spend 4.5 hours daily online

Most children are spending four point five hours per day using the internet, primarily for studying, followed by playing online games, watching videos and talking to friends.

“Most of the children are spending 4.5 hours per day using the Internet. Their primary purpose for using the Internet is studying, followed by playing online games, watching videos, and talking to friends.”

Children lack critical digital skills

Moina Khan, faculty with Bennet University who conducted the study for ICSSR, said children confidently use digital spaces but lack critical skills to understand systematic power manipulation, algorithmic influence and exploitation.

“However, what they lack are critical skills.”

Majority show signs of internet addiction

The majority of children, irrespective of their perceived digital skills, reported feeling lonely without internet, experiencing anger when unable to find what they wanted online, and struggled to stop using the internet even when they…

“The majority of children, irrespective of their perceived digital skills, reported feeling lonely when they did not use the Internet for long periods, experiencing anger when they did not find what they wanted online, and struggled to stop using the Internet even when they wanted to, reflecting signs of addiction.”

Children contact strangers online

Forty seven percent of children mentioned talking to unknown people in the past six months while many played games online with strangers.Talking to strangers was more common in the twelve to thirteen years age group.

Gender differences in internet use emerge

Boys generally use the internet more than girls. Boys' greater social freedom leads to less controlled internet use and more exposure to harmful content, while girls' restricted access may limit their digital literacy and self…

Study recommends collaborative framework

The study recommends a collaborative multi stakeholder framework to digitally empower children, with digital literacy encouraged for children and parents with active support from schools as a first line of mental health support.