Two Indian states are moving toward restricting social media use among children.
On 6 March, 2026, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced proposals in their state Assemblies to limit children’s access to social media platforms.
Karnataka plans to ban social media use for children under 16. Andhra Pradesh is considering a ban for children under 13 that could be implemented within 90 days.
The proposals reflect growing concerns among state governments about excessive screen time, smartphone addiction, and the impact of social media on students’ education and mental well-being.
Karnataka’s Idea: Ban For Under 16
Karnataka’s proposal appeared in the School Education section of the state Budget presented in the Assembly.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state plans to restrict social media access for children below 16 years of age.
Officials in the state government have raised concerns about increasing smartphone use among school students. These concerns include longer screen time, reduced attention spans, and potential effects on academic performance.
"The ban is aimed at preventing the negative impact on children caused by increasing mobile phone usage," Siddaramaiah said.
Earlier this month, the Karnataka government launched a campaign called “Mobile Bidi, Pustaka Hidi”, which means “Leave the phone, pick a book”. The initiative aims to encourage students to reduce phone use and develop reading habits.
Discussions about restricting social media had also taken place earlier this year in meetings chaired by Siddaramaiah, including a vice-chancellors’ conclave where participants discussed mobile phone addiction and online gaming among students.
ALSO WATCH: Join the club: France to India on banning social media for children under 15
Andhra Pradesh: Ban For Under 13 Soon
In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the state is planning restrictions on social media access for children below 13 years.
He said the policy could be implemented within 90 days.
The proposal was suggested by the state’s IT Minister Nara Lokesh, who has called for stronger digital safety measures for women and children.
The Andhra Pradesh government is also discussing possible regulations for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. Officials say a final decision will depend on wider consultations.
A Group of Ministers led by Lokesh is currently studying the proposal and examining possible legal frameworks.
The group has also met representatives of major technology companies including Meta Platforms, Google, X (social media platform), and ShareChat to discuss age-based access controls on social media platforms.
A 2022 survey by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar found that nearly 90% of children aged 14 to 16 have access to a smartphone at home, with around 76% using it to access social media.
Why States Are Concerned About Social Media Use
State officials say excessive social media use among children is raising several concerns.
These include increased mobile phone dependency, shorter attention spans, and the possible impact of online content on children’s mental health and learning habits.
The Andhra Pradesh government has also linked the proposal to broader online safety concerns, including digital harassment and misuse of social media platforms.
Some Child Rights Groups Raise Concerns
Not everyone agrees that bans are the most effective solution.
Dr N V Vasudeva Sharma, Executive Director of the Child Rights Trust in Bengaluru, told The Indian Express that awareness and guidance are equally important.
He said many children begin using smartphones early because parents provide them with devices. Without parental guidance, school programmes, and digital literacy education, enforcing a ban may prove difficult.
Child rights groups have suggested that governments should also invest in training teachers and counsellors and helping parents guide children in responsible online behaviour.
What Happens Next
Both states are still working on the details of their proposals.
Andhra Pradesh expects to introduce its restrictions within the next three months. Karnataka has announced the proposal in its Budget but has not yet confirmed when the ban could be implemented.
If introduced, these measures could mark one of the strongest attempts by Indian states to regulate children’s access to social media platforms.
Also Read: 1 in 4 Gen Z Men Say Women Should Not Be “Too Independent”
Also Watch: What Angered Indian Gen Z In 2025?
Also Watch: Here’s what Bihar’s Gen Z is asking for
Also Watch: Delhi’s Gen Z Steps Out to Protest for Clean Air| Brut Ground Report
