Karnataka announces ban on social media use for children below 16

Children below the age of 16 will not be allowed to use social media platforms in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday while presenting the state’s annual Budget.

The move is intended to address growing concerns about the effects of rising mobile phone and screen usage among young users.

According to the Chief Minister, the restriction is aimed at preventing the adverse impact that excessive social media use can have on children.

With the announcement, Karnataka becomes the first state in India to make a clear declaration on barring social media access for minors below 16. Andhra Pradesh and Goa have earlier indicated that they are considering similar measures.

Discussions around regulating social media use among children have been underway within the Karnataka government for some time.

Earlier this year, State IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge informed the Assembly that the government was exploring ways to promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media among younger users.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had also raised concerns about the effects of prolonged screen exposure on children. BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar had similarly urged the government to address the issue, warning that unchecked social media use could negatively affect education and family life.

The Chief Minister had previously consulted university vice chancellors to gather their views on whether mobile phone use should be restricted for children under 16.

Karnataka’s announcement comes amid an expanding global debate on regulating children’s access to digital platforms. Countries such as Australia have already introduced strict limitations on social media use for younger users, while the United Kingdom and Finland are examining comparable safeguards.

In several European countries, including France and Spain, schools have placed restrictions on smartphone use in classrooms in an effort to reduce distractions and improve student focus.

Concerns about the influence of social media algorithms, online safety risks, and screen addiction have intensified these discussions worldwide.

India’s Economic Survey 2025 to 2026 has also highlighted excessive smartphone use among young people as an emerging concern, linking it to sleep disorders, anxiety, shorter attention spans, and academic stress.

Experts say that regulating children’s digital exposure is complex. Cybersecurity specialists note that minors often share personal information online without fully understanding privacy risks.

Social media platforms, games, and mobile applications may collect location data, behavioral patterns, voice samples, and browsing habits, creating detailed digital footprints that could later be misused for surveillance, identity theft, or targeted manipulation.

Another concern relates to online grooming. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that predators increasingly use social media platforms, gaming chats, and messaging services to build trust with minors before exploiting them. Such interactions can sometimes continue for months without the knowledge of parents or teachers.

Artificial intelligence has added further challenges. AI-powered chatbots and recommendation algorithms can keep children engaged for long periods while collecting sensitive behavioral data.

In some cases, these systems may unintentionally expose minors to harmful content or enable new forms of manipulation.

At the same time, technology also offers opportunities for learning and innovation. Social media and digital platforms provide access to educational resources, coding communities, creative spaces, and even early entrepreneurial ventures for young users.

Because of this dual role, experts caution that blanket bans may be difficult to enforce and could drive young users toward unregulated platforms, virtual private networks, or anonymous accounts that are harder for parents and authorities to monitor.

For this reason, many policymakers are examining balanced approaches that combine age-based safeguards, stronger privacy protections, parental control systems, and digital literacy programs alongside regulatory measures.

Karnataka’s decision adds momentum to the wider national and international conversation on how governments can protect children online while still enabling them to benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital world.