The recent proposal by the Goa government to ban social media use for children under 16 years is a commendable step. Many children misuse mobile phones under the pretext of assignments, spending excessive time on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram or visiting inappropriate sites that are not suitable for their age. Instead of focusing on their studies, children are spending hours chatting, playing games, and wasting precious time on social media. This addiction to mobile phones affects their sleep patterns and distracts their minds from academic responsibilities. Many children are developing eyesight problems due to prolonged screen time. Teachers often face difficulties managing students who are more interested in chatting with friends and engaging in distractions than studying and preparing themselves to become responsible adults. Additionally, children today tend to avoid meaningful conversations with each other, preferring to laugh and chat superficially. This trend negatively impacts their social skills and overall development. It is important to implement such measures to protect the well-being and future of our children.
