Maharashtra Forms Task Force to Study Social Media Impact on Minors Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has established a 13-member expert task force to investigate the effects of social media on children under 18 years of age. The initiative aims to recommend state-level regulatory and policy measures to address concerns raised by the Union finance ministry’s survey and findings from the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) regarding the rise in mental health disorders among minors. The task force will analyze the impact of social media on mental and physical health, education, social skills, and the role of digital advertising targeting children. Maharashtra, home to approximately four crore children below 18, has prioritized this study following the central government’s economic survey, which highlighted the growing exposure of minors to social media and its potential health implications. The task force’s terms of reference include examining rural-urban disparities, gender and income group variations, and existing national and international regulatory frameworks. It will also propose legal, administrative, and technical measures to safeguard children’s well-being while ensuring their access to education, digital empowerment, and positive technology use. The panel is expected to submit its detailed report and recommendations within three months of its formation. The study will involve field visits at the grassroots level and desk research. Administrative support will be provided by the state’s information technology department. The task force will be chaired by the additional chief secretary or principal secretary of the school education and sports department, with the women and child development department secretary serving as co-chairperson.#maharashtra #indian_psychiatric_society #union_finance_ministry #mumbai_university #bombay_scottish_school
