Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjab government is working on a policy to regulate social media use among school students, as concerns grow over its impact on young learners in an increasingly digital world.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said a specialised panel has been set up to examine how online platforms are influencing children and to recommend appropriate guidelines. The committee, comprising academic experts and government officials, is reviewing trends from different regions to understand both the benefits and risks associated with unrestricted access.
Officials say the study will compare academic performance and behavioural patterns of students in areas with and without social media restrictions. Based on these findings, the government plans to outline a balanced approach that safeguards children while allowing them to stay connected with modern learning tools.
The minister noted that although rules prohibit minors from opening social media accounts, enforcement remains a challenge, as many students manage to access platforms through various means. He stressed that awareness and regulation must go hand in hand to ensure safe digital engagement.
At the same time, Punjab is actively integrating advanced technologies into its education system. Artificial Intelligence has been introduced as a subject across middle and senior classes, alongside coding, to prepare students for future careers in technology-driven fields.
The government is also promoting innovation through initiatives like the Business Blasters programme, where students are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial ideas with financial and mentoring support. The initiative has now been extended to higher education institutions, linking it with academic assessment.
In addition, efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure and teaching standards. Schools across the state have been equipped with internet facilities, and students are receiving guidance for national-level competitive examinations. Teachers, meanwhile, are undergoing specialised training programmes both within India and abroad to enhance classroom delivery.
Bains reiterated that the goal is to create a learning environment that combines technological advancement with responsible usage, ensuring that students are prepared for the future without being exposed to unnecessary risks online.
