Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Karnataka government plans to ban social media use for children below the age of 16. The announcement was made while presenting the 2026–27 state budget in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of excessive social media use on children, particularly issues related to addiction, exposure to harmful online content, and behavioural changes.
Background of the Proposal
The decision follows discussions held earlier by Siddaramaiah with university vice-chancellors, education experts, and policymakers. During these meetings, concerns were raised about how increasing social media usage among children is affecting their mental well-being, academic focus, and social behaviour.
In the state budget announcement, the government confirmed that children under 16 will not be allowed to access social media platforms. However, detailed rules on how the restriction will be implemented and enforced are expected to be released later through official policy guidelines.
A First-of-Its-Kind Proposal in India
If implemented, the move would make Karnataka one of the first states in India to introduce an age-based restriction on social media usage.
The proposal has attracted nationwide attention, as debates about the impact of social media on children and teenagers are growing globally.
Experts Suggest Balanced Regulation
While many parents and educators acknowledge the need to regulate online exposure for young users, several mental health professionals and education experts have advised caution regarding a complete ban.
Experts argue that digital platforms are now deeply integrated into students’ daily lives. Children often use smartphones and social media for:
- Schoolwork and research
- Communication with classmates and teachers
- Social interaction with peers
Because of this, some specialists believe that a strict blanket ban may lead to unintended psychological and social effects for adolescents.
- Instead, they suggest alternative measures such as:
- Phased regulation of social media usage
- Age-appropriate online safety guidelines
- Digital literacy programmes in schools
- Greater parental supervision and awareness
According to experts, a combination of education, responsible technology use, and shared accountability among parents, schools, and policymakers may help children develop healthier digital habits.
Growing Debate on Children and Social Media
The proposal from the Karnataka government has sparked a wider national conversation on how to balance children’s digital access with their safety and mental well-being.
As governments worldwide examine ways to regulate social media for minors, Karnataka’s initiative could potentially shape future digital policy discussions in India.