Economic Survey 2026 flags digital addiction: Countries limiting or considering curbs on screen time

1. China | China has some of the world’s strictest rules on screen use for children. According to regulations issued by the National Press and Publication Administration, children are allowed to play online games only during fixed hours on weekends and holidays. Gaming firms are required to enforce real-name verification and monitoring systems to ensure compliance. (Image: Canva)

2. South Korea | South Korea has acknowledged digital addiction as a public health concern. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the Ministry of Education have introduced measures ranging from limits on late-night gaming to phone-use restrictions in classrooms. The government also runs digital addiction counselling and rehabilitation programmes for children and adolescents. (Image: Canva)

3. Australia | Australia has taken one of the strongest policy positions on children’s online exposure. The Australian government and its eSafety Commissioner have issued digital wellbeing guidelines encouraging screen-time limits, especially at night. Authorities have also pushed for stricter age controls and platform accountability to protect children from excessive social media use. (Image: Canva)

4. France | France has introduced firm restrictions on screen use in schools.
Under rules issued by the French Ministry of Education, mobile phones are banned in schools for younger students to improve focus, learning outcomes, and social interaction. The policy is aimed at reducing early dependence on digital devices. (Image: Canva)

5. United Kingdom | The UK has taken a regulatory and advisory approach to screen use. Through guidance from the Department for Education and the National Health Service (NHS), schools and parents are encouraged to limit screen time, especially before bedtime. The government’s Online Safety framework also promotes parental controls and responsible platform design. (Image: Canva)

6. Denmark | Denmark has formally acknowledged concerns around excessive screen use among children. The Danish government and the Ministry of Children and Education have debated proposals to restrict social media access for children below a certain age and reduce screen exposure in schools. While a nationwide ban is not yet in place, the issue is now part of official policy discussions on child wellbeing. (Image: Canva)

7. Sweden | Sweden has taken a strong public health approach to screen use. The Swedish Public Health Agency has issued national recommendations advising no screen time for children under two and strict daily limits for older children. The guidance links excessive screen use to sleep problems, poor concentration, and mental health risks. (Image: Canva)

8. Singapore | Singapore regulates screen use mainly through its education system. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has put in place rules limiting mobile phone use in schools, while the Health Promotion Board issues screen-time guidelines for children and families. The government promotes balanced digital use alongside academic performance and mental well-being. (Image: Canva)

Why this matters | The Economic Survey 2026 warns that late-night screen use is creating ‘sleep debt’, reducing focus, learning capacity, and productivity. As global examples show, tackling digital addiction requires a mix of policy action, parental awareness, and responsible technology use. With screen time continuing to rise, India may also need to explore similar measures to protect learning outcomes, mental health, and workplace efficiency. (Image: Canva)