Mumbai: Information technology minister Ashish Shelar informed the Legislative Assembly that a concrete policy will be formulated on social media use by minors after a task force appointed by the govt submits its report.MLA Rajesh Pawar had raised concerns about the effects on minors of the increasing use of social media, online games and digital platforms.The state govt had formed a task force on this issue on Feb 2. It is studying the use of social media by minors, its psychological, physical and educational effects, as well as the impact of digital advertising. It will also study national and international regulations and suggest appropriate legal, technical and administrative measures, Shelar said.It would not be appropriate to totally ban social media or mobile phone usage by minors as the internet has an important role in the education system, Shelar said. The task force has been given a period of three months , after which the state government will study the national and international regulatory framework and amend the information technology laws, said Shelar.It will decide on measures such as age verification, screen time limits and digital safety education in schools. Shelar said that the state may also consider implementing training and awareness programs on digital safety for students, teachers and parents.
