The initiative focuses on challenges faced by families in the digital age, including shared device usage, online safety, digital payments, and maintaining a balance between academic responsibilities and screen time. The guidebook encourages parents to take an active and supportive role in their children’s digital experiences rather than relying only on restrictions.
The Digital Wellbeing Guidebook for Indian Families is available as a free resource for parents and educators. According to Google India and YouTube, the guidebook follows the company’s global approach to online safety while adapting recommendations to suit the realities of Indian families.
Dr Garth Graham, Global Head of Healthcare and Public Health at YouTube, highlighted the importance of constructive conversations between parents and children regarding technology use. “As a parent of four myself, I know these conversations at the dinner table are never easy,” he said. He compared digital guidance for children to teaching them how to swim, explaining that parents should support children while they gain confidence and learn to navigate the digital world safely.
Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology), NIMHANS, said that conflicts over technology use in Indian homes often begin when parents suddenly impose restrictions. He noted that abruptly disconnecting Wi-Fi access or taking away devices without discussion can make children feel misunderstood and isolated. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach where families establish digital boundaries together.
The guidebook also recommends shared viewing between parents and children along with regular discussions about online content. Dr Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Mental Health Program at Fortis Healthcare and Adayu Mindfulness, said that families should watch content together and follow a regular discussion-based approach after viewing. He encouraged parents to ask children what they liked, what they disliked, and whether they encountered anything online that made them uncomfortable.
The resource addresses several challenges commonly experienced by Indian families, including managing online learning alongside studies, safely using shared smartphones and tablets, and protecting young users from online financial scams.
The guidebook also highlights digital safety tools such as YouTube’s “Who’s Watching” profile switcher, supervised digital pocket money through UPI, and Google’s Circle to Search feature to help families create safer digital environments.
Actor and author Soha Ali Khan said parents must set an example through their own technology habits. She said children observe their parents’ actions before listening to their advice and often view all screen usage equally, whether it involves work or unnecessary scrolling. She added that her family has become more intentional about keeping phones away during meals and family time to demonstrate that technology should have a limited and balanced role in daily life.
Actor and parenting advocate Neha Dhupia said that simply removing devices from children does not teach them responsible technology use. She emphasized that children need guidance to understand that technology can support learning and hobbies but should not replace family interactions and direct conversations.
The launch of the Digital Wellbeing Guidebook represents an effort by Google India and YouTube to promote responsible technology use among Indian families by encouraging communication, awareness, and practical digital safety measures. The initiative aims to help parents and children develop a healthier relationship with technology while preparing young users to participate safely in the digital world.
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