Task force to be set up as child safety efforts against internet use falling short: Minister

MUMBAI: (Mar 18) Maharashtra’s efforts to promote safety amid children’s growing, often unregulated use of the internet and social media are proving inadequate, prompting the state IT department to set up an expert task force to study the issue, Minister Ashish Shelar said Wednesday.

Once the task force submits its report, the government will decide on measures to enhance child safety, strengthen education, promote digital empowerment, and encourage responsible use of technology, IT Minister Shelar stated in the legislative council.

Surveys indicate a significant rise in the use of mobile phones, the internet and social media among children below 16 years of age in the state, he said in a written response to a question by Independent MLC Satyajeet Tambe