The southern Indian state of Karnataka has announced a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16. The move makes Karnataka the first state in India to join global efforts to regulate minors’ access to digital platforms.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the decision aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile and internet usage on children. He did not specify when the ban would officially come into effect.
The decision comes amid rising concerns over social media addiction among minors. Countries such as Australia, Britain, Denmark, and Greece are also reviewing similar restrictions to protect young users. India, as one of the world’s largest social media markets, has a particular focus on this issue.
With over a billion internet users and 750 million smartphones in India, Karnataka’s tech hub Bengaluru hosts major global firms including Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Dell, and Google. The state has a population of 67.6 million, with less than one-quarter under the age of 15, according to a 2019–20 federal health survey.
Neighbouring states are also considering similar measures. Goa’s IT minister has indicated a potential ban, while Andhra Pradesh has proposed legislation to regulate children’s social media use. Experts in New Delhi have urged the federal government to introduce age-based access policies to tackle digital addiction.
However, some activists and tech experts argue that bans alone may not be effective. Children can bypass restrictions using fake IDs, and experts recommend programs to educate both children and parents on safe and healthy social media use.
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The announcement from Karnataka reflects growing global concern over the impact of social media on minors’ mental health and development. Authorities hope the measure will encourage safer online habits while protecting young users from excessive digital exposure.
