Online Games, Explicit Content and Cyberbullying: A Growing Threat to Children

A tragic incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh , has once again drawn national attention to the growing risks children face in the digital world. Three sisters aged 12, 14 and 16 reportedly died after jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment complex, sending shockwaves across the country.

Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that the girls were heavily influenced by a task-based Korean online game . Investigators also found that the teenagers had developed an intense interest in K-pop, Korean games and K-dramas , even changing their identities on social media platforms to Korean names. The incident occurred at the Bharat City residential complex , where police said the girls jumped from their balcony one after another during the early hours of the morning.

The tragedy has reignited a larger debate about the impact of online gaming and social media exposure on children. Concerns over the influence of harmful digital content, addictive platforms and unsafe online trends have pushed policymakers and experts to reconsider whether stricter regulations are needed.

Children Entering the Digital World Earlier

With the rapid spread of smartphones and affordable internet , children are entering the online world at increasingly younger ages. Social media platforms have become part of daily life for many teenagers, offering opportunities for learning, creativity and social interaction .

However, experts warn that the digital environment also exposes children to explicit content, harmful challenges and online manipulation . The absence of adequate supervision and weak content regulation mechanisms often leaves young users vulnerable to psychological and behavioural risks.

Experts Say Ban Alone Is Not the Answer

The debate over whether children below 16 years of age should be barred from social media has gained traction globally. Yet, many psychologists and child behaviour specialists argue that an outright ban may not fully address the problem.

They point out that children can easily bypass restrictions by using fake profiles or accessing other people’s devices . Moreover, digital platforms also play an important role in education, knowledge sharing and skill development . Experts therefore emphasise the need for balanced regulation , including stronger monitoring systems rather than complete prohibition.

Measures such as parental control tools, age-verification systems, strict regulation of harmful content and digital literacy education are being recommended as more effective solutions.

Explicit Content Raising Alarm

Another serious concern is the easy availability of pornographic and explicit material online. Educators warn that exposure to such content at a young age can influence behaviour and distort perceptions about relationships and sexuality.

To address this issue, experts suggest implementing AI-based content filtering systems and making age verification mandatory while creating social media accounts. Parents are also encouraged to monitor their children’s device usage through parental control applications and regular supervision.

At the policy level, there are growing calls for stricter regulation of pornography websites and stronger accountability for digital platforms hosting harmful content.

Dangerous Online Games

In recent years, several online games and viral challenges have emerged as a serious threat to children’s safety. Games such as the Blue Whale Challenge and similar online trends have previously sparked global concern after reports of teenagers being assigned dangerous tasks that sometimes escalated into self-harm.

Experts stress that authorities must strengthen cybercrime monitoring mechanisms to quickly identify and block such content. Schools and parents also have a crucial role in educating children about online safety and digital risks .

Impact on Children’s Mental Health

Studies indicate that excessive social media use is increasingly affecting the mental well-being of teenagers . Estimates suggest that nearly 30–35 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 experience heightened stress and emotional pressure linked to digital exposure.

Issues such as cyberbullying, social media addiction, anxiety and depression are also becoming more common. Experts warn that spending more than three to four hours daily on social platforms can negatively affect both the psychological and physical health of young users.

Global Efforts to Regulate Social Media

Several countries have already begun introducing measures to protect minors online. In Australia , strict rules limit social media access for children below 16 years . France requires parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts.

Meanwhile, China has imposed time limits on gaming and internet usage for minors, and the United Kingdom has introduced stronger online safety laws aimed at protecting children from harmful digital content.

The Situation in India

In India , there is currently no complete ban on social media use by children. However, the government has introduced regulations aimed at strengthening digital security and data protection .

Some states have also begun implementing awareness programmes. Karnataka has increased police monitoring to detect dangerous online games , while Maharashtra has introduced digital awareness initiatives in schools . Telangana has launched special campaigns focusing on cyber safety and responsible internet use .

A Collective Responsibility

Experts believe that protecting children from the harmful effects of social media requires a collective effort involving parents, schools, technology companies and governments .

Strategies such as parental supervision, screen-time limits, digital safety education in schools and stronger regulation of online platforms are considered essential to address the growing risks.

While banning social media may appear to be a quick solution, specialists say the real answer lies in responsible usage, stronger safeguards and greater awareness . Only a comprehensive approach can ensure that children benefit from the digital world without falling victim to its dangers.