In a major decision, the Tourism Minister announced plans to ban social media access to apps on mobiles for children below 16 years. Today information technology has reached the masses and children are more addicted to it than adults. Mobile apps have both advantages and disadvantages but many children get affected because of access to apps like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and reels. The apps which do not help children below 16 years in their academics should be strictly restricted.
The minister has declared to send such a proposal to the central minister to take proper action and possibly frame a policy on such use of apps by school children on mobiles. Recently we saw cases of schoolgirls who jumped from their flat while playing a game on mobile apps. Such incidents are eye-openers and the government should restrict the use of mobiles in schools and otherwise if it is not related to academics.
Mobile use by children came in during COVID-19 due to school closure and for online classes during the pandemic but it continued even after the same was over. Today it is the need of the hour to put restrictions on the use of apps by school-going children and it is a welcome step by the Goa minister. The same will help children grow healthy and involve themselves in outdoor activities on playgrounds, etc.
