Kamal Ghorui
In an age where every birthday, dance step, and school prize finds its way online, Sudha Murty has offered a calm but serious reminder: let children grow before they go public. Speaking during the Winter Session of Parliament, she raised a concern that many families feel but rarely discuss. Are children becoming content before they even understand what content means? These words from her deserve attention from every parent scrolling through a phone while their child plays nearby.
When childhood turns into content
Posting a child’s photo is not new. Families have shared memories for generations. The difference today is scale. A video posted in seconds can reach lakhs of strangers. Comments pour in. Some praise. Some judge. Some cross boundaries.Sudha Murty pointed out that the intention often shifts. What begins as sharing joy sometimes becomes chasing followers or income. The child, meanwhile, has no clear idea what it means to be watched by thousands.Children cannot give informed consent. They cannot imagine how a video might follow them years later. That gap between innocence and exposure is where the real concern lies.
The silent impact on emotional health
A child who performs regularly for social media may slowly connect self-worth with public reaction. Likes become rewards. Fewer views can feel like failure.This pressure is subtle. It does not always show immediately. But over time, it can affect confidence and emotional balance. Childhood should allow mistakes without an audience. It should allow awkward phases without permanent records.Sudha Murty stressed that innocence is fragile. Once lost, it does not return easily. A camera should not replace carefree play.
Performance vs play
Children need unstructured time. They need mud on their hands, arguments with friends, and moments of boredom. These ordinary experiences build resilience and creativity.When a child grows up constantly aware of being recorded, behaviour can change. Smiles become rehearsed. Words become scripted. Instead of exploring who they are, children may start shaping themselves to fit trends.Sudha Murty’s larger message was simple: let children be learners, not performers. Education, sports, manners, and empathy form a stronger foundation than viral fame.
If films have rules, why not social media?
India already regulates how children appear in films and advertisements. Working hours are limited. Safety measures are mandatory. These rules exist to prevent exploitation.Sudha Murty raised a logical question in Parliament. If traditional media requires safeguards, why should social media remain unchecked? The internet spreads content faster and further than television ever did.Her suggestion was not to ban children from the digital world. It was to create clear norms. These could include limits on commercial use, protection from inappropriate portrayal, and boundaries around influencer-style promotion involving minors.The idea is protection, not restriction.
The parent’s dilemma: Share or shield?
Most parents post out of love. A dance recital feels special. A school award feels proud. Sharing feels natural.But a small pause can help. Is the post for memory or for attention? Would the child feel comfortable seeing this at age 18? Could the same joy be preserved privately in a family group instead of a public account?Balancing pride and privacy is not easy. Yet safety must come before popularity. Digital footprints are permanent. Childhood is not.
Raising children beyond algorithms
Sudha Murty spoke about values. She emphasised raising children with focus on learning, sports, discipline, and kindness. Children who develop self-worth from family support and real-life achievement are less likely to depend on online applause. They understand that approval begins at home.Social media will remain part of modern life. The question is how families use it. When adults model restraint and thoughtfulness, children learn the same.Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by Sudha Murty during the Winter Session of Parliament regarding children and social media exposure. It aims to inform parents about the broader discussion around digital safety and child well-being. It does not replace professional legal or psychological advice.
