Karnataka announces social media ban for children under 16

Karnataka will ban social media use for children below the age of 16 years, chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday while presenting the annual state Budget.

The chief minister said the restriction is aimed at preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children.

The announcement makes Karnataka the first state in the country to make a definitive statement on barring social media use for children.

State IT and Biotechnology minister Priyank Kharge had told the Assembly earlier this year that the government was examining possible measures to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media among young users.

Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had also raised concerns about the effects of excessive screen exposure on children.

Karnataka’s announcement comes as governments in several parts of the world debate possible restrictions on children’s access to social media.

Australia has introduced strict measures limiting social media access for younger users. The United Kingdom and Finland have also been discussing similar safeguards.

In parts of Europe, including France and Spain, schools have imposed limits on smartphone use in classrooms to reduce distraction and improve student focus.