The Karnataka government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under the age of 16, a move aimed at regulating minors’ online exposure. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while presenting the Karnataka Budget 2026 on Friday.

According to reports, the proposed policy seeks to restrict access to social media platforms for minors as part of broader measures related to digital safety and youth well-being.

Earlier Indications of Possible Ban

The proposal follows earlier comments from Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, who in late February indicated that the state government was considering such restrictions.

At the time, Bangarappa told the media that officials were examining the impact of social media on children and evaluating potential regulatory measures.

The announcement during the state budget presentation formally confirmed the government’s intention to move forward with the plan.

Andhra Pradesh Announces Similar Restrictions

Shortly after Karnataka’s announcement, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu indicated that his government would introduce curbs on social media use for children under 13.

According to reports, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to implement the restrictions within 90 days, signaling a similar approach to regulating minors’ digital access.

The move reflects a broader trend among governments considering stricter controls on social media usage among younger users.

Growing Concerns About Social Media and Children

Policies aimed at regulating social media access for minors have gained attention globally as researchers and policymakers examine the potential effects of excessive online exposure. Countries like Australia, France have banned social media completely, restricting minors from social media. Indonesia is the last country to do so.

Studies have suggested that high levels of social media use among adolescents may be associated with issues such as:

• sleep disruption

• anxiety and depression

• cyberbullying exposure

• reduced physical activity

Public health experts have also emphasized the importance of digital literacy and age-appropriate online access for children and teenagers. ¹

Implementation and Next Steps

While the Karnataka government has announced its intention to restrict social media access for minors under 16, details regarding implementation, enforcement mechanisms, and specific platforms affected have yet to be fully outlined.

Similarly, Andhra Pradesh authorities have indicated that guidelines for the proposed restrictions for children under 13 will be developed over the coming months.

Reference

1. Jaleel, Mohamed M., and A. Enoch. “Excessive Social Media Usage and Mental Health Problems Among Adolescents: A Critical Review.” International Journal of Indian Psychology 13, no. 3 (2025): 2410–2424. https://doi.org/10.25215/1303.222.

(Rh)