Economic Survey calls for tackling rising digital addiction as it hits academic performance, productivity
The Hindu
The Economic Survey urges urgent action against digital addiction, highlighting its detrimental effects on mental health, academics, and productivity.
Taking cognisance of the rise in digital addiction, the Economic Survey 2025-26 called for comprehensive interventions to address the problem, which is adversely impacting academic performance, workplace productivity, and mental health of youth as well as adults.
The Survey report tabled in Parliament on Thursday (January 29, 2026) identified digital addiction as a rising problem impacting the mental health of youth and adults, and discussed measures taken by various countries, including Australia, China, South Korea and called for several interventions besides ongoing efforts of various government departments.
It said digital addiction among youth has become a significant public health concern worldwide, prompting regulatory, therapeutic, and educational responses from governments, health institutions, and civil society.
"With near-universal mobile/internet use among 15-29-year-olds, access is no longer the binding constraint; the focus needs to shift to behavioural health considerations such as the rising problems of digital addiction, quality of content, wellbeing impacts, and digital hygiene," the Survey said.
Several countries such as Australia, China, South Korea, Brazil, France, Spain, Finland, Japan, and States in the U.S., have taken stringent measures to check the problem of digital addiction.
"A major challenge in addressing digital addiction in India is the lack of comprehensive national data on its prevalence and mental health effects. This hinders targeted intervention, resource allocation, and integration of digital wellness into national mental health strategies," the Survey said.
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