What began as routine questioning of a 16-year-old girl by teachers at a prestigious city school has snowballed into a digital-age nightmare, exposing the dark underbelly of student social media use.

The girl, confronted by her teachers and headmaster over online activity, triggered what parents and staff later described as a ‘Pandora’s box’ of complaints, vulgar exchanges, and allegations of complicity among dozens of students linked to an Instagram ‘confessions’ page.

Tempers flared when a post involving photos led to a breakup between a dating pair, followed by threats from some boys toward a girl who had uploaded the images. Matters quickly spiralled as parents were summoned, teachers expressed helplessness, and student counsellors warned that the dispute could draw in the police and cybercrime authorities if not contained.

Despite the escalating tensions, parents eventually withdrew complaints, fearing prolonged legal entanglements and reputational harm. “The whole exercise seemed futile. We felt surrender was the only option,” said one parent.

But the incident has left behind a trail of unease. Teachers called it a ‘wake-up call’, while counsellors stressed the urgent need for structured intervention. Above all, parents and staff emerged with a rare unanimity: a demand for a national digital use policy to safeguard schoolchildren from the lurking dangers of social media usage.

Alarming rises in broken homes, strained relationships, and mental health crises linked to excessive digital use are sparking urgent calls for a national policy to regulate screen time and online engagement. From children addicted to social media to couples divided by endless scrolling, the unchecked dominance of digital devices is fueling stress, wasting productive hours, and spreading harmful rumours—particularly among youth. Experts warn that without intervention, the societal toll will deepen, with fractured families and a generation struggling with attention deficits, anxiety, and eroded social skills. 

Recent studies show parents and partners increasingly feel ignored as screens replace face-to-face interaction, while misinformation and gossip spread unchecked, damaging reputations and mental well-being. "We’re raising a generation that values likes over real connections," warns social activist Padmini Iyer. "A national framework is needed to promote healthy digital habits before more damage is done." Advocates demand measures like screen time limits, digital literacy programs, and anti-rumour campaigns. As stories of broken relationships and wasted potential mount, the question is no longer whether action is needed—but how soon it can happen.

Without clear national guidelines, students are falling into compulsive use of digital devices. Excessive screen time is linked to anxiety, sleep disruption, attention disorders, and reduced academic performance.

Social media algorithms thrive on comparison and validation loops, making children more vulnerable to depression, body-image issues, and cyberbullying. A policy can set safeguards for healthy digital habits.

While digital tools can aid learning, unsupervised use often leads to distraction, plagiarism, and overreliance on AI tools. A structured policy could balance learning vs misuse.

Unchecked exposure to violent games, adult content, and manipulative advertising accelerates premature maturity, leaving little room for imagination, play, and human bonding.

A national policy can ensure equal access to safe, high-quality educational resources, preventing rural and poor students from falling behind, while urban youth are overwhelmed by excess.

Continuous scrolling and multitasking weaken attention spans and memory formation in young minds. A policy can promote age-appropriate screen exposure. Children’s personal data is being harvested by tech platforms for commercial gain. Without a protective framework, students remain vulnerable to surveillance capitalism.

From online scams to predatory grooming, children are easy targets. A strong policy can integrate cyber safety education into school curricula. Algorithms often promote consumerism and a homogenised global culture, weakening local traditions and values. A policy can encourage digital citizenship that respects cultural diversity.

Students who grow up as passive scrollers rather than active creators may struggle in the digital economy. A policy can push towards productive digital skills—coding, critical thinking, and media literacy.

Without a national digital wellbeing policy, we are letting private tech companies shape childhood, education, and even future citizenship. It’s not just about screen time—it’s about safeguarding a generation’s mind, health, and identity.