Social Media & Children – Debate In Rajya Sabha!

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty expressed concern over the increasing trend of parents showcasing their children online. Stating that it would have long-term psychological consequences on the children, she urged the government to set norms for how children are portrayed on social media.

The MP raised the issue during the Zero Hour and said that several advanced countries like France had been implementing several regulations. India also should consider to introduce similar rules, she opined.

Murty specifically mentioned about parents who use children to attract tens of thousands or even millions of followers. “The videos are a source of income to the parents but they face the risk of losing their innocence and might not learn basic social skills, sports. They might not be able to focus on education too, she said.

The child does not give permission as he/she is not aware of it, she said and urged the policymakers to reassess how children’s rights could be protected online. Murty said that it was necessary to raise the children in a good value system and impart good education and other skills, even while acknowledging the popularity and advantages of social media. However, she said that the unchecked use could expose them to ways that could not be understood.

At the same time, she lauded the government for doing some commendable work in regulating portrayal of children in advertisements and the film industry. Strict laws are being implemented to check these areas but in social media, children’s right need to be protected and there is some work to be done, she said.

Without any regulations and checks, she feared that the children could face great problem in the future. She said that there should some restriction on the way of their dressing. This is not the way how we can bring up the next generation of our children, she added.