Karnataka will bar children below the age of 16 from using social media platforms, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday while presenting the state’s annual Budget.
The proposed move aims to curb the growing impact of excessive mobile phone usage among children.
With the announcement, Karnataka is set to become the first state in India to clearly spell out its intent to restrict social media access for minors. While Andhra Pradesh and Goa have earlier indicated they are exploring similar measures, no state has yet made such a definitive policy announcement.
The issue has been under discussion within the state government for some time. Karnataka’s IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier informed the Assembly that the government was examining ways to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media among younger users.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar had urged the government to treat the issue with urgency, warning that unchecked social media use could negatively affect both education and family life.
The Chief Minister had earlier consulted vice chancellors of various universities to seek their views on whether restrictions should be placed on mobile phone usage for children below the age of 16.
Karnataka’s proposed move comes amid a wider global debate on regulating children’s access to digital platforms.
Countries such as Australia have already introduced strict measures limiting social media access for younger users, while discussions on similar safeguards are underway in the United Kingdom and Finland.
In several European nations, including France and Spain, schools have also introduced restrictions on smartphone use in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve student focus.
