Actor Shilpa Shetty has urged parents to focus on raising digitally aware children rather than digitally dependent ones, following the recent tragic deaths of three teenage sisters in Ghaziabad.
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram on Safer Internet Day, Shilpa spoke not as a public figure but as a concerned mother. The actor, who has two children, addressed the growing influence of the internet on young minds and stressed the need for balanced and responsible digital exposure at home.
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Acknowledging the benefits of technology, Shilpa described the internet as “a powerful teacher” and “a playground for creativity.” However, she cautioned that alongside its advantages come serious risks, particularly when children are exposed to content without guidance or supervision.
“Today is Safer Internet Day, and I wanted to speak from my heart,” she said in the video. “The internet can teach and inspire, but it can also expose young minds to things they are not ready for.”
Shilpa emphasized that parenting in the digital age should not revolve around banning devices or restricting access completely. Instead, she advocated for a balanced approach that combines supervision, open communication, and trust.
“Our role as parents isn’t to simply ban technology; it’s to balance access and exposure,” she explained. She encouraged parents to actively monitor what their children are watching, scrolling through, and consuming online.
The actor also stressed the importance of open dialogue within families. “Curiosity grows in silence, not in conversation,” she said, urging parents to create a safe space where children can discuss what they encounter online without fear.
She recommended the use of parental controls but added that building trust is even more important. “Supervision till 16, I believe, isn’t control — it’s care,” Shilpa noted. She further reminded parents to teach children critical thinking skills, especially in understanding that not everything seen online is real, kind, or safe.
Shilpa concluded her message by calling for collective awareness and community-driven parenting. “Let’s stop parenting in isolation and work together toward raising digitally aware, not digitally addicted, children,” she said, adding that guidance today can build confidence and resilience for the future.
Her appeal comes at a time when the country is grappling with the shock of a tragic incident in Ghaziabad, where three sisters aged 12, 14, and 16 reportedly died after jumping from the ninth floor of their residential building earlier this month. Preliminary investigations have suggested that the teenagers may have been deeply engaged with online content and gaming platforms, factors that could have contributed to emotional distress. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about children’s mental health, screen time, online safety, and the role of parents in navigating the digital landscape.
Shilpa’s message adds to the broader national conversation about how families can adapt to an increasingly digital world — one where technology is unavoidable but must be approached with awareness, balance, and responsibility.
