CHANDIGARH: Amid growing global concerns over children's vulnerability in the digital space, Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology (GG&IT) Minister Mr. Aman Arora informed that the state government will take the matter with the Centre government to frame rules regarding social media usage by minors, besides, evaluating global best practices to safeguard children's interests.
Responding to a call attention motion moved by MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Aman Arora stated, “this needs to be age-specific. 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. A blanket ban often increases the psychological interest of children in the prohibited item and such prohibitions often drive young users towards the dark, unregulated corners of the Internet.” He assured that the state government was committed to protecting children and ensuring that the digital age remained a period of opportunity, not addiction.
Outlining the state government's comprehensive "Digital Safety Net" strategy to combat rising mobile phone addiction and exposure of children to harmful online content, Mr. Aman Arora said that the battle against digital addiction requires a collective front involving the government, schools and most importantly parents.