Actor-turned-producer and parenting influencer Neha Dhupia recently delivered a compelling address at the National Dialogue on Children’s Rights on the Internet – Infantia, hosted by the Assam Police, where she highlighted the deepening impact of digital culture on today’s youth. In a session titled “Impact of films, OTT and internet culture on children,” Dhupia spoke with candour and concern, calling for greater mindfulness and responsibility among parents in navigating the digital journey with their children.
Drawing attention to the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’, a British miniseries exploring issues of youth mental health, violence, and online toxicity, Dhupia described the viewing experience as “a reality check.” “I found myself pausing every 12-15 minutes just to process what I was watching—it really made me reflect on my role and responsibilities as a parent,” she shared. The series, she noted, is a stark reminder of the virtual refuge that many teenagers seek when they feel alienated or overwhelmed by real-world pressures.
She emphasized that while social media is now an inseparable part of our lives, it’s critical to draw clear boundaries, especially when it comes to children. “It is not possible to keep children completely off social media in today’s world. But we must monitor their digital footprint and ensure they understand the importance of privacy,” Dhupia explained.
Dhupia’s words struck a powerful chord as she delved into the complexities of online identity among young users. Highlighting the danger of “dual identities” that children sometimes assume on the internet, she warned that the digital realm can become a deceptive sanctuary. “At times, when they feel isolated or unable to cope with real-world challenges, teenagers often seek comfort in the virtual world as a form of escape. We need to build an environment in real life where they don’t feel judged, so they don’t have to seek a false refuge online,” she said.
A poignant part of her message revolved around the culture of oversharing and the concept of consent, especially when it comes to parents posting about their children. “We often teach children about boundaries, but forget to take their consent before uploading their pictures or videos. Defining limits on social media is just as important as closing a door or pulling a curtain at home,” she remarked, reminding parents that even the youngest deserve agency over their digital presence.
Dhupia also reflected on the evolution of social media itself—from a space of self-expression to a marketplace of validation. “When creators start, they want validation. But hopefully, later, they realise that they have a voice and can use it in the right direction,” she noted. She cautioned against measuring self-worth through likes and comments, emphasizing that digital applause should never define a person’s value or success.
As a mother and a public figure, Dhupia’s insights are deeply rooted in her lived experiences. Her voice adds to a growing chorus of influential figures advocating for digital literacy, mental health awareness, and responsible content creation in a world increasingly driven by algorithms and attention metrics.
With the rise of internet culture and its undeniable influence on young minds, Neha Dhupia’s call for recalibration is timely and necessary. Her message is clear: parents must become active participants in their children’s digital lives—not by imposing rigid controls, but by fostering open dialogue, trust, and empathy.
As India grapples with the fast-paced digital transformation, voices like Dhupia’s offer a grounding reminder: while we can’t unplug from the internet, we can choose how we engage with it—and how we guide the next generation to do the same.
