With the growing chaos surrounding the idea of content regulation on OTT platforms, top schools in India are now considering adequate measures to control “vulgar and sensitive” content on streaming platforms. On November 20, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology met with multiple stakeholders to discuss concerns about the vulgarity of content streamed on OTT platforms.
A research report by Local Circles revealed that 1 in 2 urban Indian parents say their children are addicted to social media, OTT platforms, and online gaming, leading to aggression, impatience, and lethargy. The report also states that 47% of urban Indian parents say their children spend an average of three or more hours daily on social media, videos/OTT platforms, and online games. Additionally, many parents have demanded that the government implement mandatory parental consent through Aadhaar authentication for children under 18 when joining such platforms.
Menika Anand, Senior Section Incharge at GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, emphasized the undeniable impact of OTT content on today’s youth. She said, “The rise in dopamine levels and addiction to the content offered by these platforms is a growing concern. Many students are increasingly affected, as neither they nor their parents know where to draw the line regarding what—and how much—they should consume. The situation calls for greater awareness and a balanced approach to mitigate the impact on impressionable minds.”
In response, many schools are conducting regular workshops on digital literacy to educate students about safe online practices and the potential risks of inappropriate content.
Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal of Venkateshwar International School, Dwarka, a leading school in Delhi NCR, stated, “Streaming platforms have a significant influence on students as they often mimic what they see and integrate it into their daily lives. While some age-appropriate content promotes creativity and learning, unchecked exposure to inappropriate material can impact behavior and values.”
To combat this, several top schools are organizing parental seminars to raise awareness about monitoring tools and restrictions. Teachers are also integrating engaging educational content into the curriculum to discourage students from accessing unsuitable streaming material.
Lina Ashar, Founder of Dreamtime Learning and Founder Emeritus of Billabong High and Kangaroo Kids, remarked, “While government regulation may seem like a straightforward solution, its efficacy is questionable. For example, the government of India has banned alcohol in Gujarat, but it remains widely available and consumed. Similarly, regulations on OTT platforms can easily be circumvented through VPNs and other methods. Instead, the focus should be on empowering students to critically assess the pros and pitfalls of OTT platforms.”
Regulate Content
To mitigate exposure to adult OTT content, many schools have implemented strict monitoring of online activities. They are also educating students and parents on digital literacy and promoting alternative, wholesome content on OTT platforms. Schools are adopting tech tools and apps to discourage teachers from recommending YouTube for revising classroom content.
Harish Sanduja, Director of Schools and IT at Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, said, “The government should regulate content on OTT platforms. Regulating content is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful thought. It can help ensure that content is appropriate, protects minors, and prevents harmful material such as hate speech or misinformation. Regulation can also encourage cultural sensitivity and align with societal values.”
Naman Jain, Vice Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, added, “Government regulation of OTT platforms should primarily focus on child-specific content to ensure age-appropriate and timely release of material available to children.”
It should be noted that earlier in March, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked 18 OTT platforms for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. The banned platforms included Neufliks, X Prime, Besharams, Mood X, and Prime Play. Additionally, the government disabled public access to 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store and 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts linked to these platforms.
Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Founder and President of the Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India, commented, “Having a formal regulatory framework would make OTT platforms more accountable for what they produce and stream. They will take their role seriously and be more responsible in curating content, thereby easing the race to capture the market. This will also foster fairer competition among platforms and result in healthier, organic choices for consumers.”
Moreover, multiple OTT platforms are making conscious strides to ensure the offerings are suitable for all age groups, promoting responsible entertainment. From Zee5 transitioning to become a wholly family-oriented OTT platform, to the likes of Sony LIV and hoichoi increasing their investments in slice-of-life and family friendly programming.
Kanak Gupta, Group Director, Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools with an interesting take on government regulation for OTT content, said, “Government regulation plays a critical role, but it cannot be the sole solution. Past experiences, like Doordarshan’s late-night movies attracting curious young viewers, show the allure of the forbidden. The real challenge lies in building a shared ecosystem where policymakers, platforms, schools, and families work together to create a balanced and safe digital environment.”
OTT platforms have argued that they already operate under self-regulation, with strict parental control measures and content designed to adhere to established standards. They claim additional regulations would complicate business operations and hinder the sector’s growth.