Bihar Tackles Digital Epidemic: New Screen Time Policy Planned

Bihar is preparing to implement a policy aimed at regulating the screen time and online activities of minors, as concerns grow over children spending increasing hours on smartphones and social media. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary acknowledged the issue as a serious concern requiring a multi-departmental approach, involving education, health, information technology, and women and child development. The state government is seeking expert advice from Nimhans in Bengaluru to shape the upcoming guidelines.

Potential measures under consideration include introducing age-based limits on device usage and incorporating mandatory "digital hygiene" sessions into the curriculum of government schools. Awareness campaigns targeting rural women's self-help groups and the establishment of counselling services in district hospitals for children exhibiting signs of digital addiction are also being explored. The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlighted that many rural teenagers in Bihar spend four to five hours daily on screens, contributing to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and diminished academic and physical performance.

Child psychologists emphasize that prolonged screen exposure is an "invisible epidemic" damaging attention spans and behavior, often exacerbated by constant notifications and addictive platform designs. Clinical psychologist Dr. Binda Singh noted that mobile phone addiction severely impacts studies, concentration, and relationships, leading to aggression and avoidance of real-world interactions. She believes government-imposed restrictions can alleviate parental blame and benefit the younger generation by promoting focus and connection to reality.

Dr. Chandra Mohan Kumar, professor and head of paediatrics at AIIMS-Patna, referenced Australia's ban and Karnataka's existing restrictions as precedents. He views Bihar's move as welcome, particularly in curbing excessive gaming and photography, even though much addiction stems from permissive parenting. He stressed that government action signals seriousness, raises awareness, and encourages parental strictness for meaningful change, potentially serving as a model for other states if effectively implemented.