Social media use is very common among Gen Z, but in Gujarat, cases of addiction are rising sharply. More young people are getting trapped in the digital world and are now seeking treatment for overuse of social media.
There is growing concern about this trend among children and young adults, especially as some Indian states have started taking action. Karnataka has banned social media use for children under 16, while Andhra Pradesh has set restrictions for those below 13. Goa is also thinking about similar steps.Experts in Gujarat say the number of such cases is increasing every year.
At the Government Mental Health Hospital in Ahmedabad, patients seeking help for digital addiction have jumped from 116 in 2021–22 to 661 in 2025–26. Officials believe the number could go beyond 2,000 if private centres are included.Doctors say the symptoms are similar to other addictions. Patients often feel restless, irritated, or angry when they cannot use their phones.
Most of them are teenagers and young adults, and many show impatience and even aggressive behaviour towards their parents due to excessive mobile use.Doctors also say these patients feel anxious when they are away from social media and often need counselling and proper therapy.
Experts believe parents also play a role. Many children are given mobile phones to keep them busy, especially during meals, or are encouraged to use platforms like YouTube from a young age, which can lead to long-term addiction.Mental health experts advise parents to encourage outdoor activities, hobbies, and more direct interaction with children.
They also suggest limiting screen time, avoiding phone use during meals or in bedrooms, and maintaining a balanced daily routine to reduce dependency on social media.