The Indian government has officially sounded the alarm on a “silent scourge” affecting millions of households across the country. In the newly released Economic Survey 2025-26, the government has identified Smartphone and Digital Addiction as a critical public health challenge, placing it alongside traditional health risks.
With Indians collectively spending a staggering 1.1 lakh crore hours on their smartphones in 2024 alone, the line between daily utility and harmful dependence has blurred. This new report warns that if left unchecked, this addiction could severely impact India’s productivity, mental health, and the future of its younger generation.
Here is a detailed look at what the survey found, why it matters, and the new measures proposed to tackle this growing crisis.
What the Economic Survey 2025-26 Says
The Economic Survey is a key document presented in Parliament that reviews the state of India’s economy. This year, for the first time, it dedicated significant attention to “screen-related mental health disorders.”
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran described the situation as alarming. The report notes that while digital access was once a barrier to progress, it is now near-universal. The problem has shifted from accessing the internet to excessively using it. The survey highlights that algorithms designed to keep users hooked—like infinite scrolling and auto-play videos—are exploiting the psychological vulnerabilities of young Indians, particularly those aged 15 to 29.
The “Silent Scourge”
The survey defines digital addiction as a compulsive need to engage with digital devices, leading to distress when disconnected. It explicitly links this behavior to:
- Sleep Debt: Late-night scrolling is disrupting circadian rhythms.
- Attention Deficits: Constant notifications are reducing the ability to focus on study or work.
- Social Isolation: Despite being “connected,” young people are losing offline social skills and community bonds.
Shocking Numbers: How India Uses Smartphones
To understand the scale of the problem, we must look at the data presented in the survey and recent industry reports:
- 1.1 Lakh Crore Hours: The total time Indians spent on mobile screens in 2024.
- 97 Crore Internet Connections: India’s internet user base has nearly quadrupled since 2014.
- Universal Access: About 85.5% of Indian households now own at least one smartphone.
- Entertainment Over Education: Data from the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 showed that only 57% of students used phones for learning, while 76% used them primarily for social media and entertainment.
These numbers suggest that for a large portion of the population, the smartphone has become the primary window to the world, often replacing physical activity and face-to-face interaction.
The Real Cost: Mental Health and Sleep
The impact of this addiction goes beyond just wasted time. The survey cites multiple studies linking excessive social media use with rising cases of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
The “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) drives young users to check their phones constantly. This behavior creates a cycle of temporary dopamine hits followed by increased stress. Medical professionals from institutes like NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) have long warned that “tech neck” (physical pain) and “texting addiction” are becoming clinical diagnoses.
Sleep is the biggest casualty. The blue light from screens suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone), leading to insomnia. A sleep-deprived youth population faces difficulties in cognitive development, which could eventually hurt India’s “demographic dividend”—the economic growth potential of its young workforce.
New Rules and Solutions Proposed
The government is not just watching from the sidelines. The Economic Survey proposes several structural changes to combat digital addiction:
1. Age-Based Restrictions
The report suggests that India should consider policies similar to those in Australia or China, where age limits are placed on social media access. This could mean stricter age verification processes to prevent minors from accessing addictive apps or harmful content.
2. “Digital Diets” and Wellness Curriculum
Schools are encouraged to introduce a Digital Wellness Curriculum. This would teach students not just how to use technology, but how to set boundaries with it. The concept of a “Digital Diet”—voluntary periods of staying offline—is being promoted for both students and working professionals.
3. Regulatory Acts
The survey points to the Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2025, which bans wagering-based online games, as a step in the right direction. By curbing financial incentives, the government hopes to reduce the addictive nature of online gaming.
4. Tele-MANAS Support
For those already struggling, the government is expanding Tele-MANAS, a 24×7 free mental health helpline (Toll-free: 14416). Since its launch, it has handled millions of calls, many related to stress and anxiety exacerbated by digital pressure.
Expert Advice: How to Break the Cycle
Experts from the SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) at NIMHANS recommend simple behavioral changes to regain control. They suggest “Digital Fasting” once a week, where you completely avoid screens to reset your mind.
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Other practical tips include turning off non-essential notifications, keeping phones out of the bedroom, and using “grayscale mode” to make the screen less visually stimulating. The goal is not to stop using smartphones—which are essential for modern life—but to move from compulsive use to conscious use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is digital addiction?
It is a behavior where a person feels a compulsive need to use their smartphone or digital devices. It leads to distress, anxiety, or irritability when the device is not available and affects daily life, work, or sleep.
Q2: What is the Tele-MANAS helpline number?
The government’s free mental health helpline number is 14416. You can call this number anytime for counseling and support regarding stress, anxiety, or addiction.
Q3: Did the government ban social media for children?
Not yet. The Economic Survey 2025-26 recommends considering age-based restrictions and stricter verification, but a total ban has not been implemented as a law at this moment.
Q4: How can I reduce my screen time?
Start by keeping your phone away from your bed at night. You can also turn off notifications for social media apps, set daily usage limits in your phone’s settings, or try “digital fasting” for a few hours every Sunday.
Q5: What is the 20-20-20 rule for eyes?
To reduce eye strain from screens: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
