Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 1: Stating that the impact of social media on children’s mental health has emerged as a global concern, state minister for health and family welfare and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said a legal response has become necessary and that he would write to Union health minister J P Nadda urging a ban on social media usage by children in India.

Speaking to reporters here on January 31, the minister said the present generation is facing serious challenges due to excessive exposure to social media. “Countries like Australia have already imposed restrictions on children using social media. A similar step is required in our country as well,” he said, adding that rising cases of depression, stress and other mental health issues among the youth are a matter of concern.

Responding to queries on the suicide of businessman C J Roy, Dinesh Gundu Rao said he was not aware of the exact reasons behind the incident. He clarified that it would not be appropriate to attribute the suicide to pressure from the Enforcement Directorate or Income Tax department, though these agencies must discharge their responsibilities. He also alleged that central investigative agencies like the ED and IT are being misused for political purposes, but reiterated that he could not state that their actions led to Roy’s death.

On the issue of pending bills to contractors, the minister admitted that payments are due for certain works across the state. He said development works are progressing everywhere and acknowledged that some bills remain unpaid as substantial funds from the Centre are yet to be released. However, he criticised contractors’ associations for making what he termed as baseless allegations against the state government, and urged them to resolve issues through dialogue with the government.