Paper: GS – I/II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Welfare schemes, mechanisms, laws and institutions related to children, Issue: Social Media Ban for Minors.
Context:
The governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are planning to impose restrictions on social media usage by minors to reduce the negative effects of excessive mobile phone use among children.
Key Takeaways:
| India’s initiative to protect children on Online Platforms: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Requires data fiduciaries to collect “verifiable parental consent” for processing personal data of children under 18. Section 67B of Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Provides stringent punishment for publishing, transmitting, or viewing Child sexual abuse material online. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Protect children below 18 years of age from exploitation and safeguarding their interests at every stage of judicial process. National Commission of Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): Established an online complaint management system. |
Key Details of the Proposed Ban:
- Age Restrictions:
- Karnataka: Proposed ban on social media for children under 16 years.
- Andhra Pradesh: Proposed ban on social media for children under 13 years.
- Implementation Timeline: Andhra Pradesh aims to implement the ban within the next 90 days, while Karnataka has not specified a timeline.
- Consultations and Stakeholder Opinions: The proposal was discussed during a meeting with Vice-Chancellors of State public universities, where opinions from various stakeholders were sought.
- Public Debate: The announcement has sparked a public debate, with experts divided on the impact and feasibility of a blanket ban.
- International Context: A similar law was enacted in Australia in December 2025, which restricts access to social media for children under 16, with severe penalties for violations.
The proposed restrictions by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh reflect growing concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and development. While the initiative aims to protect young users from digital risks, its success will depend on clear implementation mechanisms and balanced regulations that address both safety and the practical benefits of digital technology.
Source: (The Indian Express, The Hindu)
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