As a New Father, Why I Want Modi Government to Ban Social Media for Kids
Becoming a father changes you in ways no book or advice ever can.
Suddenly, the world doesn’t look the same anymore—especially the digital world.
As I hold my child, I can’t help but think about the future they will grow into. A future dominated by screens, algorithms, likes, reels, and virtual validation. And honestly, it scares me.
That fear is why I strongly believe the Modi government should seriously consider banning social media for children.
The Childhood We Had vs The Childhood They’re Getting
My childhood had playgrounds, bruised knees, storybooks, and real friendships.
Today’s childhood is increasingly about:
Endless scrolling Dopamine-driven content Validation through likes Exposure to adult ideas far too early
Children are no longer growing up naturally—they are being digitally conditioned.
Social Media Is Not Built for Children
Let’s be honest:
Social media platforms are not neutral tools.
They are designed to:
Maximize screen time Trigger emotional responses Create addiction-like behavior
A child’s brain is still developing.
Expecting kids to “self-regulate” on platforms built by behavioral scientists is unrealistic—and unfair.
Mental Health: The Silent Crisis
Studies across the world have linked excessive social media use among children to:
Anxiety Depression Low self-esteem Body image issues Attention disorders
As a new father, the thought that an app could shape my child’s self-worth terrifies me more than any physical danger.
Online Safety Is a Myth for Kids
Even with parental controls, children are exposed to:
Cyberbullying Sexualized content Online predators Misinformation and hate
No filter is perfect.
No algorithm truly understands what a child should not see.
Why Government Intervention Is Necessary
This is not just a parenting issue—it’s a public policy issue.
Parents are fighting billion-dollar tech companies alone. That is an unfair battle.
Just as governments regulate:
Alcohol Tobacco Driving age
They must also regulate digital exposure for minors.
A complete or partial ban on social media for kids below a certain age is not authoritarian—it is protective.
Why I Look Toward the Modi Government
The Modi government has taken bold steps in:
Digital regulation Data protection National interest policies
This makes it the right time to start a serious national conversation about children and social media.
India has one of the youngest populations in the world.
If we fail to protect their minds today, we will pay the price tomorrow.
This Is Not Anti-Technology
Let me be clear:
I am not against technology.
I want my child to:
Learn Innovate Use the internet responsibly
But there is a difference between using technology and being used by it.
Education-based platforms are fine.
Social media addiction is not.
A Father’s Appeal, Not a Political Attack
This is not about politics.
This is about parenting.
I don’t want my child’s confidence to depend on likes.
I don’t want their childhood shaped by strangers on the internet.
If banning social media for kids can give even one child a healthier upbringing—
then it’s a step worth taking.
Conclusion
As a new father, my priorities are simple:
Safety over popularity Mental health over trends Childhood over content
That is why I believe the Modi government should take decisive action and ban social media for children in India.
Because some freedoms, when given too early, stop being freedoms at all.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article reflects the personal opinion of the author as a parent. It does not represent any political party, government body, or official policy position. The intent is to encourage discussion on child safety, mental health, and responsible digital regulation.
