The Economic Survey 2025-26, released on January 29, highlights digital addiction and screen-related mental health issues as major health concerns, especially in children and adolescents. It recommends strong actions like cyber-safety education, peer mentoring, mandatory physical activity in schools, and parental training to manage screen time. The Survey also calls for age-appropriate digital access policies and holds platforms accountable for harmful content. Network-level measures like different data plans for learning and entertainment and default blocking of risky content are suggested. On mental health, the Survey proposes expanding the Tele-MANAS program beyond crisis help to actively fight digital addiction. It urges integration with schools and colleges and training special counselors to encourage early help-seeking. The Survey stresses a major shift in India’s health policy—from treatment focus to preventive care. It points out the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like heart problems, diabetes, obesity, and mental health issues, alongside ongoing infectious disease challenges. Technology-based public health monitoring and strong investment in preventive care, nutrition, mental wellness, and community health systems are needed to protect India’s young workforce and boost productivity. Impressive health progress is noted: India’s maternal mortality rate fell by 86% since 1990, beating the global drop of 48%. Under-five mortality rate dropped 78%, neonatal mortality 70%, both well ahead of global averages. Infant mortality also fell from 40 to 25 deaths per 1,000 live births in the last decade. Experts weigh in: Roma Kumar, clinical psychologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says the pandemic sped up screen addiction because people were isolated. She warns, “Excessive screen time aggravates all lifestyle diseases. Preventive strategies include exercise, stress management, and lifestyle changes from a young age.” Vinay Agarwal, former Indian Medical Association president, points to India’s unique genetic and lifestyle challenges. He says, “Thrifty gene, unhealthy food, and stress create obesity, fatty liver, diabetes, and heart disease. Seven hours of sleep, traditional food, and daily exercise could save us.”