The Goa Government’s education department has directed schools to discourage children from using the increasingly popular TikTok and PUBG. This stems from the ‘safety and security’ issues that both pose and the department stresses that ‘the action in time may be of great help in saving some lives.' Directions were provided to schools following the advisory of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The circular issued to schools signed by Director, Education Nagaraj Honnekeri called for parent-teacher meetings in order to build awareness about the dire need ‘not to download or use Tik Tok app and PUBG game.' The Madras High Court had also imposed a ban on TikTok citing the easy accessibility of pornographic content on the app. It was later lifted, however.

Both TikTok and PUBG have been associated with suicides and deaths in recent times. The latest incident is of a 12-year-old boy in Kota who was found dead wearing bangles and a 'mangalsutra.' According to Station House Officer Mumindra Singh: “The initial investigation suggested that the boy might have killed himself accidentally while probably preparing to make a video on TikTok.” There is enough and more evidence of the harm that the app and game are causing users, especially children. The move by the Goa Government seems to have come at the right time and will hopefully act as an inspiration to other states to take action.