Economic Survey 25-26: How India is tackling online gaming addiction to save its youth

The recently presented Economic Survey for 2025-26, unveiled on January 29, brings to light a pressing concern regarding digital and gaming addiction affecting the youth of India. As the nation becomes increasingly digitized, the government acknowledges the risks associated with excessive online engagement, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that offers both protective measures and positive, offline experiences for young individuals. Central to India's strategy is the newly enacted Online Gaming (Regulation) Act of 2025. This pivotal legislation aims to mitigate financial harms and compulsive gaming behaviors among young people. It prohibits online money games that involve betting, thereby seeking to prevent financial distress and addiction-related issues. The Act also establishes a rigorous licensing protocol for skill-based games and enforces strict advertising regulations to diminish the appeal of potentially addictive platforms. The Economic Survey outlines that addressing digital addiction transcends mere moral concerns; it is an economic imperative. It warns that such addiction can severely affect the cognitive and social development of future generations, comparable to the health risks posed by rising obesity and inadequate nutrition. India's approach is comprehensive, featuring initiatives like the Tele-MANAS 24/7 mental health helpline and the SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at NIMHANS in Bengaluru. The overarching aim is to harness digital advancements for empowerment rather than allowing them to become a source of dependency. A significant hurdle in combating digital addiction is the absence of thorough national data regarding its prevalence and mental health implications, which complicates targeted interventions and effective resource distribution. The forthcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), spearheaded by NIMHANS and commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), is anticipated to provide valuable insights into mental health challenges in India. India's proactive measures mirror a growing global recognition of the issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified online gaming addiction as a mental health condition in the ICD-11, referring to it as 'Gaming Disorder.' This condition is characterized by diminished control over gaming and the prioritization of gaming activities to the detriment of essential daily functions. Other countries have taken similar actions; for instance, China has implemented stringent time limits for minors, while Australia has instituted a ban on social media usage for individuals under 16. South Korea's 'Shutdown Law' was initially aimed at restricting late-night gaming but has evolved towards parental control strategies and dedicated recovery facilities like the 'I Will Centres' in Seoul.