Analysis of the Policy Context Surrounding Mobile Media Use Among Children and Young People in India

The growing integration of digital media into children’s lives through digital play, communication, and entertainment has heightened their exposure to online risks. This is particularly pertinent in emerging economies like India, where the rapid proliferation of smartphone use has increased the vulnerability of children and young people to various cybercrimes, while also raising concerns about its impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. To understand the risks faced by children and young people in India’s digital landscape, we conducted a document analysis, reviewing literature, research reports, laws, and policies. Our review suggests that a sole reliance on regulatory and legal measures to address online risks in South Asian countries like India may prove ineffective. We advocate for the inclusion of the voices of children, young people, and parents to better understand the complex interplay between mobile technology and the broader social, economic, and political factors that shape social behavior.