Don’t waste time because it’s cheap: PM Modi urges students to use internet responsibly

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 6, 2026: PM Modi on Friday cautioned students against the use of online gaming apps that involve betting and urged them to use social media platforms responsibly. He further encouraged the kids to use the internet and technology available today in order to benefit themselves and said, “Don’t waste time because they are cheap and easily accessible in our country".

While addressing the ‘exam warriors’ through “Pariksha Pe Charcha", the Prime Minister said, “Gaming is a skill. The Internet and technology are cheap in India nowadays. Don’t waste time because it’s cheap and easily accessible in our country, utilise it for our benefit."

However, he further cautioned students against the use of online betting apps and highlighted the passage of the legislation in Parliament that prohibits all forms of online betting and gambling — Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.

“We should not allow online betting and gambling in games in our country. We have also made a law regarding it," he added.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi interacts with students during the 9th edition of ’Pariksha pe Charcha’.

He says, "... Your success becomes your parents’ respect. They get invested in it... Gaming is a skill. It is a good way for personality development..."

Source: DD pic.twitter.com/bFKze2P48i

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

Notably, this is the ninth edition of the “Pariksha Pe Charcha", and it has surpassed all previous records in terms of registration. Nearly 4.50 crore students, teachers and parents have registered for the programme.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of the recent case of three minor sisters who jumped to death from the ninth floor of their flat in Ghaziabad over Korean culture obsession. According to reports, the three sisters took the extreme step due to their emotional state and their intense attachment to Korean pop culture and online content.

The sisters reportedly developed a strong interest in online gaming during the pandemic and played almost nonstop. In their diary detailing their attachment to Korean pop culture, online games, and international entertainment, they listed a wide range of survival, horror, and interactive games.

Notably, this is the ninth edition of the “Pariksha Pe Charcha", and it has surpassed all previous records in terms of registration. Nearly 4.50 crore students, teachers and parents have registered for the programme.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came in the backdrop of the recent case of three minor sisters who jumped to death from the ninth floor of their flat in Ghaziabad over Korean culture obsession. According to reports, the three sisters took the extreme step due to their emotional state and their intense attachment to Korean pop culture and online content.

The sisters reportedly developed a strong interest in online gaming during the pandemic and played almost nonstop. In their diary detailing their attachment to Korean pop culture, online games, and international entertainment, they listed a wide range of survival, horror, and interactive games.

In 2019, numerous reports of student deaths worldwide surfaced, associated with the deadly online game known as the “Blue Whale Challenge". The game was linked to hundreds of suicides, with cases reported from Russia to countries like India and the United States.

Countries Implementing Ban On Social Media For Teenagers

The rise in the use of social media by teenagers has sparked an immense debate across the globe, with several countries like Australia and Britain taking a tougher stance on the use of online platforms and content.

Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for under-16s, after its government passed a measure that holds platforms including TikTok, Twitch, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for failing to prevent children from having accounts.

In a similar move, Spain also recently plans to ban social media access for children under 16 to shield young people from the harms of online content. Additionally, Greece is also close to announcing a similar ban for children under 15.

In January, France approved a bill banning social media for children under 15. The measure is set to take effect at the start of the next school year in September and would also ban the use of mobile phones in high schools.

Denmark has introduced similar legislation to ban access to social media for users under 15, while the UK said last month it would consider banning young teenagers from social media to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.