The growing debate over social media addiction among children has taken a shocking turn in Ahmedabad, where a family reportedly hired bouncers to limit their teenage daughter’s screen time.
According to a TOI report, the family employed four bouncers working in shifts to monitor their 16-year-old daughter and prevent excessive phone usage. The family is said to be spending around Rs 65,000 per month to control her addiction to social media.
Doctors revealed that the teenager had developed a severe social media addiction. Her behaviour reportedly turned aggressive when access to her device was restricted.
In one alarming incident, she allegedly threw household appliances such as a television and microwave from her apartment. It was also reported that she became physically aggressive toward her mother.
Why rising screen time among children is concerning
With easy access to smartphones, tablets, and high-speed internet, children today are spending more time online than ever before. What once began as occasional entertainment has evolved into a daily habit, often replacing outdoor activities and personal interactions.
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Experts warn that excessive use of social media can lead to:
- Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
- Reduced physical activity and lifestyle-related health problems
- Exposure to online risks such as cyberbullying
- Addiction driven by the constant need for validation
Children are particularly vulnerable because their developing minds are more sensitive to social comparison and the unrealistic standards they find online.
Governments across the world are beginning to recognise the risks of social media addiction in children and are taking steps to regulate usage.
Australia has become the first country to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. Meanwhile, in India, Karnataka has become the first state to impose similar restrictions for minors.
These measures aim to reduce screen time and protect children from the long-term psychological and social impacts of excessive online exposure.
As screen usage continues to rise, the challenge for parents and policymakers alike is to strike a balance between technology use and overall well-being.
