MyVoice: Views of our readers 19th October 2026

‘Bonding’ for peace

India has bonds for every occasion. There are government bonds for investors, surety bonds for the courts, electoral bonds for political contributions, and social bonds for the socially conscious. We have Aadhaar for identity, PAN for taxes, and OTPs to prove that we are indeed ourselves! Now comes the latest innovation: the Peace Bond. Apparently, keeping the peace is no longer merely a matter of temperament, good manners or common sense. It may require a formal undertaking, a magistrate’s approval and perhaps a couple of sureties! At this rate, why stop with protesters? Soon, every citizen may need a Peace Bond linked to Aadhaar.

Before entering a public park, raising a slogan, or even disagreeing with a neighbour, one might have to produce a digitally authenticated certificate of peaceful intentions. Perhaps the next government portal will offer a Peace Bond Seva app! Jokes apart, in a democracy, peace is precious but so is the right to dissent. Let bonds bind us to peace, not silence us into submission.

A P Thiruvadi, Chennai

Should sync with digital judgement

A Supreme Court bench, while recognising internet access as a fundamental right for children as well as adults, has made it clear that sweeping restrictions are not the appropriate answers to online risks. However, protecting this right must go hand in hand with developing digital judgement. Unregulated internet use can undermine children’s studies, health and time, while weakening parental affection, family communication and meaningful social relationships.

Schools should provide regular counselling to help children understand these risks and use technology judiciously. Such guidance must also reach children outside the school system who have access to mobile phones and the internet but lack proper guidance. Parents, too, must go beyond monitoring screens: they should spend quality time with their children, engage them in meaningful conversations and involve them in family activities. Effective regulation, platform accountability, school-based guidance and responsible parenting must work together to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.

Brij Bhushan Goyal, Ludhiana

Adults must back SC ruling: Internet access

Even as the Indian Constitution doesn’t discriminate against citizens – the Supreme Court has reiterated the right even for children; and has refused an age-related ban on internet use. This is regarded as a fundamental right of every individual under Article 21 of the Constitution. Many children are addicted to the mobile for entertainment, even and during feeding time – without which they would not eat – to indulge in tantrums until the mobile reaches their hand.

The Supreme Court clarification in this regard has legitimised the mobile reaching the hands of kids with Constitutional validity. The society takes the view of the Supreme Court with mixed feelings at a time when adults are now engaging in nasty anti-national activities in the name of freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution – without an iota of self-restraint or decent personal responsibility.

S Lakshmi, Hyderabad

Teach students digital etiquette

Managing children’s internet use requires a combination of technology, active parenting and digital literacy. Child lock systems, commonly known as parents’ controls, might significantly help as the same would allow for setting up guardrails on technology to match a child’s age and maturity level. When the Supreme Court emphasises the internet as an essential tool or fundamental right for education and development, it highlights the utility of the network, not unrestricted access.

Time management systems allow setting up of strict daily screen time limits or to schedule “blackout” periods like locking devices automatically during study hours or bedtime. While digital locks are excellent tools, technology alone cannot completely replace parental supervision. Children are often tech-savvy and frequently find workarounds, like using a friend’s device, changing time zones to bypass limits or using VPNs.

It is hoped that the government would do its job perfectly and ensure children are taught proper digital etiquette, both by their parents and teachers, for a better future not only for themselves, but also to the country.

Govardhana Myneedu, Vijayawada

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India