Economic Survey Flags Digital Addiction as New Health Crisis in India
The 2025–26 Economic Survey warns that rising digital addiction among children and youth is emerging as a serious health crisis impacting mental wellbeing physical fitness productivity and long term economic stability.
Digital addiction emerges as health crisis.
Economic Survey warns youth at risk.
Digital addiction impacts health and economy.
India is facing a new and silent health challenge as excessive screen usage among children and young people begins to reshape physical mental and social wellbeing, according to the latest Economic Survey.
Presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the 2025–26 Economic Survey highlights digital addiction as a growing public health concern driven by smartphones gaming and constant social media exposure.
The report notes that long screen hours are reducing attention span disturbing sleep cycles and increasing anxiety levels among young users. As a result academic performance and workplace productivity are also showing signs of decline.
Experts cited in the survey warn that digital dependence is weakening social and community bonds. Youth between the ages of 15 and 24 are identified as the most vulnerable group with rising cases of depression emotional stress and suicidal tendencies.
The survey also raises alarm over lifestyle related diseases. Reduced physical activity combined with unhealthy food habits is contributing to obesity diabetes and other long term health conditions.
According to national health data, nearly one in four adults in India is either overweight or obese. Among children below five years the number has steadily increased over the years and projections suggest millions of children could face obesity by 2035.
Beyond personal health the report stresses that these conditions carry serious economic consequences. Reduced working hours increased medical expenses and chronic illnesses could place long term pressure on the country’s GDP.
The Economic Survey also draws attention to the sharp rise in consumption of ultra processed foods. Sales of junk food and sugary drinks have grown rapidly over the past decade adding to lifestyle disease risks.
To address the issue the survey recommends restricting junk food advertising during peak hours especially content targeting children. It also suggests regulating marketing of high sugar and high fat products.
On digital addiction the report calls for structured interventions including cyber safety education in schools awareness training for parents and promotion of digital wellness practices.
Suggestions include encouraging outdoor activities offline youth hubs age limits for social media usage and reduced dependence on online classes in favour of classroom learning.
The survey concludes that while technology remains essential unchecked digital exposure could evolve into a long term national challenge unless preventive steps are taken now.
