BJP MP Baijayant Panda has listed a Private Member’s Bill seeking stronger safeguards for children using social media and online gaming platforms.
The proposed legislation, named the Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025, aims to regulate how children access digital platforms and how companies protect young users online.
Parental consent for children under 13
One of the main proposals in the Bill is that children below the age of 13 should not be allowed to create accounts on social media or online gaming platforms without verified parental consent.
The proposal is aimed at ensuring that parents are aware of their children’s online activity before they join such platforms. It could also require companies to establish a reliable system for checking age and confirming parental approval.
Mandatory parental control tools
The Bill also proposes that every intermediary provide parental-control dashboards. These tools could allow parents to manage their child’s account, adjust privacy settings and monitor or restrict certain online activities.
Such dashboards may help parents control access to inappropriate content and limit potentially harmful interactions. The proposal reflects growing concerns about children’s exposure to cyberbullying, excessive screen time, online exploitation and unsuitable material.
Greater responsibility for platforms
The proposed legislation may place additional responsibilities on social media companies, gaming platforms and other digital intermediaries. These organisations could be expected to adopt stronger child-safety measures and reduce risks linked to data collection and targeted advertising.
The Bill also focuses on protecting children’s personal information and improving accountability among technology companies. However, the exact implementation would depend on the provisions finally debated and approved by Parliament.
Bill is not yet a law
The SHIELD Bill is a Private Member’s Bill and does not represent the government’s official policy at this stage. It must go through the parliamentary process before it can become law.
The Bill was listed for consideration in Parliament, but proceedings were disrupted after the Lok Sabha was adjourned. Therefore, the proposed restrictions are not currently enforceable.
If passed, the legislation could significantly change how children under 13 access social media and online gaming platforms in India. It would also increase the responsibility of parents and technology companies in creating a safer digital environment for minors.
