Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that the state of Karnataka will ban social media use by children under 16. Presenting the annual state budget, CM Siddaramaiah said the ban was aimed at curbing the negative impact of increasing mobile phone use on children.
This move makes Karnataka the first state in the country to definitively announce a ban on social media use among children. Andhra Pradesh and Goa are two other states that have previously stated they are considering similar steps.
Karnataka Government had Previously Discussed the Idea
The idea of regulating children’s access to social media has been under discussion within the Karnataka government for some time.
State IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge stated in the Assembly earlier this year that the government was considering possible measures to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media among young users.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also expressed concern about the impact of excessive screen exposure on children. BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar urged the government to take the issue seriously, warning that unregulated social media use could harm both education and the family environment. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously discussed the issue with university vice-chancellors, asking them if mobile phones should be banned for children under 16.
Global Debate On Social Media Restrictions
There is a growing debate worldwide about social media restrictions, focused on protecting young people from mental health issues and harmful content. Australia is leading the way by passing a ban for children under 16 in 2024. India, France, and the UK are also pursuing similar bans. Critics say these restrictions could lead to digital surveillance, privacy risks, and poor enforcement.
Highlights of the debate until March 2026:
Australia’s lead: Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act sets a minimum age of 16, and platforms can be fined up to $50 million for non-compliance.
India’s initiative: Several Indian states, including Karnataka and Goa, are actively considering or implementing bans for children under 16, citing concerns about addiction and safety.
European Action: The French National Assembly has moved to ban access for children under 15, while countries like the UK, Austria, and Denmark are considering similar measures.
Arguments for restrictions: Supporters cite deteriorating mental health, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content among adolescents.
Arguments/Concerns Against: Critics raise concerns about the loss of online benefits for disadvantaged youth, privacy concerns due to mandatory age verification (e.g., facial scans), and the potential for government interference and censorship.
Other Solutions: Some experts advocate for stricter, safer platform design, improved digital literacy, and parental controls rather than outright bans. These measures reflect a shift toward prioritising child safety over self-regulation by technology companies.
Also Read: Google’s Gemini AI Lyria 3 Music Tool Turns Text and Photos into Original Songs
