2 Indian states announce proposal to ban social media for children
The state-level proposals follow the Indian government’s Economic Survey, which advocated for age-based access to online platforms and a reduction in online teaching
The Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka yesterday (6 March) announced proposals to ban social media usage for children under the age of 13.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, addressing the state legislative assembly in Amaravati, declared that his government will ensure children are restricted from accessing social media platforms within the next 90 days.
Naidu added that the administration is currently debating whether to extend this prohibition to teenagers between 13 and 16 years of age.
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Simultaneously, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a similar restriction during his budget speech in Bengaluru.
He stated that the usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16 to prevent the "adverse effects of increasing mobile usage".
Siddaramaiah later clarified to reporters that while children in this age group may keep mobile phones, they will be barred from social media platforms.
The Karnataka chief minister noted that a specific programme is being formulated to regulate the ban across schools, colleges, and homes.
"Once the programme is finalised, we will inform you," he said in response to journalists' queries regarding enforcement.
The state-level proposals follow the Indian government's Economic Survey tabled in Parliament this January, which advocated for age-based access to online platforms and a reduction in online teaching to combat digital addiction.
The move aligns with a growing international trend.
Last year, Australia became the first nation to implement a nationwide ban for children under 16, blocking access to major platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Indonesia has also introduced similar restrictions for the same age group.
