Ministry announces: No online education for children aged 3 to 5 years.

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has officially advised parents not to enroll children aged between 3 and 5 years in online education programs. The Ministry emphasizes that online learning methods are completely unsuitable for children in this age group.

Government authorities point out that practical play, social interaction, physical activities, and direct personal care are essential for the early childhood development of preschool-aged children, and fulfilling these needs through a screen is a very difficult task. This decision has been made in accordance with the guidelines of the National Early Childhood Development Secretariat, and the importance of providing traditional and practical care to young children rather than exposing them to digital screens has been strongly emphasized.

This Ministry, operating under Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, is currently taking strong measures to protect young children from digital risks. Due to the existing risks of digital addiction, abuse, and developmental delays, proposals have also been put forward to restrict the use of smartphones and social media for children under 12 years of age, and the government had strongly urged in 2025 to keep mobile phones away from children under 6 years of age.

Although the government has not yet imposed a legal ban on online education, the Ministry has highlighted the importance of directing young children towards physical and interactive activities rather than using child development apps or digital platforms. This new guideline further confirms the growing local and global concern about the adverse effects that excessive screen time can have on young children.