The Karnataka government has proposed a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16. This decision aims to address the growing concerns over digital addiction and excessive screen time among young individuals.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the proposed ban is intended to mitigate the negative impacts associated with increased mobile phone and social media usage by children. The announcement comes amid heightened awareness among policymakers about the influence of smartphones and social media on children’s behavior, learning, and overall well-being.
Karnataka officials have been studying international models of age-based social media restrictions to inform their framework effectively. Several other states, including Andhra Pradesh, have also been considering similar measures to restrict children’s access to social media platforms. The Andhra Pradesh government recently formed a ministerial group to evaluate existing laws and explore potential regulations to safeguard children online.
This move underscores the ongoing global conversation about managing children’s digital exposure and highlights the role of governments in shaping societal responses to the challenges posed by widespread digital connectivity.
Source: Inc42 Media