Economic Survey 2026 suggests simpler devices, screen-limits, phone-free zones to tackle digital addiction

The Economic Survey 2026, tabled in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, draws attention to the growing concern of digital addiction in India and the gaps in understanding its impact on mental health. To tackle it, it recommends stricter screen-time limits for children, safer and simpler digital devices, stronger family and community involvement, school-based digital wellness education, and expanded mental health support systems, among other measures.

The survey warns that rising screen use and weak face-to-face social ties are harming mental health in India and may be linked to higher suicide rates. It stresses the need for better data on digital habits, safer screen use for children, stronger community connections, and expanded mental health support to tackle growing digital addiction.

The survey pointed out that India currently lacks reliable, nationwide data on how excessive screen use affects people. Because of this, it becomes difficult for governments to design focused policies, plan spending, or include digital wellness in larger mental health programmes.

It noted that the upcoming second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) is expected to offer clearer data on how widespread mental health issues are and how they are linked to digital habits.

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To deal with digital addiction effectively, the survey stressed the need to track everyday indicators such as how much time people spend on screens for non-essential use, how screen habits affect sleep, stress and anxiety levels, and whether digital overuse impacts studies or work. It also highlighted safety risks like cyberbullying, online fraud and exposure to gambling platforms.

Digital connection and suicide rates

The Economic Survey analysis also shows a clear link between social connectedness and suicide death rates (SDR) across states, using district-level data.The findings suggest that strong local social connections and close community networks may play an important role in protecting mental health and reducing suicide risk.

A comparison of suicide death rates with district-level social connectedness scores from Facebook, suggests an overall inverse relationship. In simple terms, states where people have stronger face-to-face social connections within their own districts tend to report lower suicide death rates. Where in-person social networks are weaker and people are more digitally or geographically disconnected, suicide rates are generally higher

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh show relatively simple and sparse networks, with most social ties concentrated within individual districts. This indicates that people in these states rely more on local, in-person relationships such as family, neighbours, and community groups, rather than distant or online connections. As a result, these states report very low suicide death rates — about 0.7 in Bihar and 3.9 in Uttar Pradesh.

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In contrast, Kerala and Tamil Nadu display much more complex and dense networks, with strong links connecting people across different districts. This suggests that social interactions in these states are more spread out and less rooted in close, face-to-face community ties. With fewer strong in-person social bonds, individuals may feel more isolated despite being digitally connected. These states also report much higher suicide death rates — around 30.6 in Kerala and 25.3 in Tamil Nadu.

Simpler devices for children

The survey suggests the use of simpler devices for children – such as basic mobile phones or tablets meant only for study – that can help reduce their exposure to harmful content such as violence, adult material, or gambling. Setting clear limits on how long devices can be used and applying content filters can make digital use safer for children.

These steps can be supported at the internet level as well. Internet service providers can offer special family data plans that give more data for educational apps and less for entertainment. They can also block risky websites and apps by default, while allowing parents or guardians to change the settings if needed.

The survey noted that several countries, including Australia, have taken strong steps to control digital addiction among children and teenagers. Singapore has chosen a different approach by focusing on education and community involvement.

Schools as key spaces

Schools are being seen as key spaces to build healthy digital habits, with suggestions to introduce lessons on responsible screen use, cyber safety and mental health. Reducing over-dependence on online teaching tools and encouraging physical activity were also highlighted.

Families, too, have a major role. The survey encouraged parents to set screen limits, plan device-free family time and learn to recognise signs of addiction.

It suggested training parents through schools and community centres, and holding digital platforms accountable for age checks and safer default settings.

Digital addiction not limited to children

The problem is not limited to children. Adults are also increasingly affected, the survey said. It suggested awareness programmes in colleges and workplaces , setting up phone-free zones, and encouraging people to take regular breaks from devices.

The survey recommended introducing a digital wellness curriculum that focuses on screen-time awareness, cyber safety and mental health education. Measures such as cyber-safety drills, peer mentor programmes and mandatory daily physical activity were highlighted as ways to build resilience. It also noted that the heavy reliance on online teaching tools that expanded during the COVID-19 period should now be reduced, with greater emphasis on offline learning and engagement.

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The survey suggested awareness programmes in colleges and workplaces, the creation of phone-free zones, and encouraging people to take regular breaks from screens through voluntary “digital diets”.

The survey proposed expanding Tele-MANAS, India’s mental health helpline, to specifically support people dealing with digital addiction. With trained counsellors and stronger links to schools and colleges, early help could become more accessible and less stigmatised.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.