MUMBAI : In his remarks, the adviser cautioned against the unchecked use of social media by younger users, particularly in India, the largest user market globally for platforms such as Meta-owned Facebook and YouTube. Despite its massive digital population, India currently does not have a unified national minimum age for social media access.

Calling for stronger safeguards, the survey noted that younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive usage and exposure to harmful content. “Policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content,” the adviser wrote.

The recommendations also extend to families, urging parents to promote screen-time limits, introduce device-free hours, and encourage shared offline activities to balance children’s digital habits.

India’s debate mirrors a growing global trend. Australia last year became the first country to enforce a social media ban for children under 16, while France’s National Assembly has backed legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media. Similar measures are currently under study in Britain, Denmark, Spain and Greece.

The federal recommendation comes amid increasing momentum within India’s states as well. Goa and Andhra Pradesh have recently announced that they are examining Australia’s regulatory framework as a possible model to restrict social media use among children.