Karnataka bans social media use for children under 16 amid addiction concerns

The southern Indian state of Karnataka has announced a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16, citing increasing concerns about digital addiction among children. The decision was revealed on Friday, making Karnataka the first state in India to implement such a measure.

According to reports, the announcement was made by Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his annual budget speech. Siddaramaiah stated, “With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16.” The chief minister did not specify when the ban would come into effect.

Karnataka, which is home to the technology hub of Bengaluru, has taken this step amid growing global debates about the impact of unrestricted internet access and social media on minors. Reports indicate that concerns over children’s growing addiction to social media platforms and exposure to unregulated online content have prompted calls for stricter oversight worldwide.

Sources note that Australia became the first country to ban social media for children in December. Other countries, including Britain, Denmark, and Greece, are reportedly studying the issue and considering similar actions. Within India, discussions about regulating minors’ digital usage are also said to be taking shape in other regions, given the country’s status as one of the world’s largest social media markets.

The new policy in Karnataka is intended to address the adverse effects associated with excessive mobile and social media use among children. However, details regarding the implementation timeline and enforcement mechanisms have not yet been provided by state authorities.

The move by Karnataka is seen as a significant development in the ongoing global conversation about children's digital safety and the responsibilities of governments in regulating online platforms for minors.