- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
In India, parents have the legal right and responsibility to restrict or limit their child’s access to technology, such as smartphones, the internet, or social media platforms. The extent of these restrictions depends on the child’s age, maturity, and the potential risks posed by the technology in question. Parental rights regarding a child's use of technology stem from the general principle of guardianship, as well as the obligation to ensure the child’s well-being and safety.
Under Indian law, parents are the natural guardians of their minor children (under the age of 18). The Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 (for Hindus) grant parents the authority to make decisions about the child's education, welfare, and general upbringing, which includes their exposure to technology. This legal framework allows parents to set reasonable boundaries for their child's use of digital devices and online activities.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. If the child’s access to technology is leading to harmful behavior, such as addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, or cyberbullying, parents are well within their rights to impose restrictions.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, emphasize the protection of children from online abuse, exploitation, and harm. If a child is using technology in a way that exposes them to cybercrime, sexual exploitation, or harassment, parents can restrict access to technology to safeguard their child’s welfare.
Parents can monitor or limit their child’s online activities to prevent exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, or social media misuse.
If the child is underage, parents have the authority to regulate or restrict their access to social media platforms, which may have age restrictions (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) in place.
Many parents may limit access to technology to ensure that their child focuses on studies, physical activities, and other social interactions that contribute to their overall development. Excessive use of technology can negatively impact a child’s academic performance, mental health, and social skills.
Balancing screen time: Parents can set limits on the amount of time their child spends on screens (smartphones, computers, etc.), ensuring it does not interfere with their academic, extracurricular, and social responsibilities.
Parents may also enforce rules regarding content such as restricting games, websites, or apps that promote violence, substance abuse, or inappropriate content.
With the rise of cyberbullying and online harassment, parents have a duty to protect their children from digital harm. If a child is involved in harmful online interactions or being bullied on social media, parents have the right to step in and intervene by limiting or blocking access to specific platforms or devices.
Cyberbullying protection: Parents can restrict or control access to online platforms to protect the child from harassment, bullying, or online abuse.
Social media monitoring: Many parents use monitoring software or apps to track their children’s online behavior to ensure they are not engaging in harmful activities.
The level of access to technology can be tailored to the child’s age and maturity. For younger children, parental controls and age-appropriate guidelines can be implemented to limit access to inappropriate content and ensure safe usage.
For instance, smartphones or tablets can have built-in parental controls to restrict app installations, screen time, or browsing history.
For teenagers, parents may allow more autonomy but can still set boundaries to prevent addiction to social media or gaming, or restrict usage during certain hours (e.g., school time, bedtime).
Parents can restrict their child’s access to technology to prevent data breaches, identity theft, or misuse of personal information. With children being vulnerable to exploitation, parents can manage online activities to protect their child's privacy and security.
This includes limiting the child’s ability to share personal details online or access platforms that are not secure.
Parents may also implement privacy settings on social media accounts to prevent strangers from accessing the child’s information.
Parents can set clear rules and agreements regarding technology use, which the child agrees to follow. This could be done through a technology contract or written agreement, outlining acceptable and unacceptable behavior with regard to screen time, app usage, and online activities.
For example, a child may be required to hand over their device at a certain time each evening, or to get permission before downloading apps or using certain websites.
Such contracts can help set expectations and prevent conflicts related to technology use.
In the context of a custody dispute or divorce, a parent may request the family court to impose restrictions on the child’s access to technology if they believe the other parent is using technology inappropriately, such as for manipulation or alienation of the child. In such cases, the court will prioritize the best interests of the child when deciding on access to technology.
A parent notices that their child is spending excessive time playing video games, affecting their academic performance and social interactions. The parent imposes limits on screen time and restricts access to certain games and apps. The child may initially protest, but the parent can explain the reasoning behind these boundaries, keeping the child’s overall well-being in mind.
A teenager has become a victim of cyberbullying through social media. The parents restrict access to certain social media platforms and monitor their child's online activity to ensure their safety. They also report the incident to the social media platform and may even file a police report under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Yes, parents can legally restrict or limit a child's access to technology under Indian law. This right stems from their guardianship and responsibility to ensure the child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Restrictions can be implemented based on safety concerns, age-appropriateness, academic priorities, and cybersecurity. Parents also have a duty to protect their children from online threats such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, or online addiction. While enforcing these limits, parents should balance control with fostering the child’s ability to use technology responsibly as they grow older.
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