GS2.6 · GS2.6 · 2026-10-20 · 3 min read · 2026-10-20-pm
Study Highlights Emotional and Physical Impact of Internet Use on Children
A 2025 study supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research found that most children aged 9-14 struggle to control their Internet use, showing signs of addiction and emotional distress. This matters for UPSC aspirants as it relates to child welfare, digital literacy, and mental health policies under social sector governance.
Excessive Internet use among children causes emotional and physical health issues, requiring multi-stakeholder digital empowerment and mental health support.
Why is this in the news?
The study on Internet use among school children was published in October 2026, supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research under the Ministry of Education.
What did the study find about children's Internet use?
- High Internet access. 97.6% of children aged 9-14 accessed the Internet primarily from home using smartphones.
- Usage patterns. Children spent an average of 4.5 hours daily online, mainly for studying, gaming, watching videos, and chatting.
- Signs of addiction. Most children struggled to stop Internet use even when they wanted to, reporting feelings of loneliness and anger when offline.
What are the emotional and physical impacts on children?
- Health consequences. Anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood changes were the most reported effects of Internet use on children.
- Emotional distress. Children felt lonely without Internet access and experienced frustration when unable to find desired content.
What risks and vulnerabilities did the study highlight?
- Online interactions. 47% of children reported talking to strangers online, with some experiencing cyberbullying and impersonation.
- Gender differences. Boys used the Internet more freely, increasing exposure to harmful content, while girls had restricted access, limiting digital literacy.
- Reporting issues. Most children did not report uncomfortable online experiences to adults, though many preferred parents for reporting.
What recommendations did the study make?
- Digital literacy. Encouraging digital literacy for children and parents with active school support is essential.
- Collaborative framework. A multi-stakeholder approach is recommended to empower children digitally and address emerging technology challenges.
- Mental health support. Schools should act as the first line of mental health support for children facing Internet-related emotional issues.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 97.6% | Children accessing the Internet from home | |
| 4.5 hours | Average daily Internet use by children | |
| 47% | Children who talked to unknown people online in six months |
Back to basics: Digital Literacy and Child Welfare
Digital literacy involves the skills to use digital devices and understand online content safely and critically. Child welfare policies aim to protect children's physical and emotional well-being, including their safety in digital environments. Schools and parents play key roles in fostering digital literacy and safeguarding children from online risks.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the 2025 ICSSR-supported study on children's Internet use: 1. The study found that most children used the Internet primarily for social media and chatting. 2. The study recommended schools as the first line of mental health support for children. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (b). Statement 1 is incorrect because the primary purpose reported was studying, not social media and chatting.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the emotional and physical impacts of Internet use on children and discuss the role of digital literacy and school-based mental health support in addressing these challenges.
Examine: Explain the impacts of Internet use on children and evaluate recommended measures like digital literacy and school support.
Intro: The increasing Internet use among children has emotional and physical consequences that require policy attention.
- Describe the emotional and physical health issues identified in the study, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances.
- Explain the risks of addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.
- Discuss the importance of digital literacy for children and parents to build critical skills.
- Evaluate the role of schools as the first line of mental health support and the need for a collaborative framework.
Conclusion: Addressing Internet-related challenges in children requires integrated efforts on digital literacy and mental health support.
Quick revision
- What percentage of children accessed the Internet from home according to the study?
- 97.6% of children accessed the Internet from home.
- What were the common emotional effects of Internet use on children?
- Anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood changes were commonly reported.
- What recommendation did the study make regarding schools?
- Schools should act as the first line of mental health support for children.
Sources
- [1] The Hindu: Study on Internet use flags emotional and physical impact on children · 2026-10-20 · newspaper