Karnataka Considers Mobile Ban for Under-16 Students Amid Addiction Concerns

The Karnataka government is actively considering implementing a ban on mobile phone usage for students under the age of 16, a move championed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in response to mounting concerns over social media addiction and its detrimental effects on young minds. The Chief Minister, while addressing Vice-Chancellors, emphasized that many children are falling prey to social media addiction and potentially being exposed to drugs, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. He explicitly sought the opinions of university heads regarding restricting mobile phones on campuses for minors, noting that the discussion is a serious one with widespread implications. The proposal stems from a broader recognition of how excessive digital exposure negatively impacts children's learning, behavior, mental health, and concentration. Minister for Electronics and IT/BT, Priyank Kharge, further corroborated these discussions, stating that the state government is consulting on measures to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, particularly for children. He highlighted that unregulated access to smartphones has led to a surge in psychological issues among minors, including sleep deprivation, anxiety, and a decline in academic performance. Karnataka's contemplation of such a ban is not isolated. Several other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh and Goa, are also exploring similar restrictions on social media and mobile phone access for minors. The Economic Survey 2025-26, released by the central government, has also recommended age-based restrictions for social media use for children, reinforcing the national concern over digital addiction. Globally, countries like Australia, France, the UK, and Finland have either implemented or are considering similar measures to safeguard students from the harmful effects of excessive screen time and inappropriate content. In conjunction with the potential ban, Karnataka has already launched proactive campaigns to address digital dependency. The 'Mobile Bidi Pustaka Hidi' (Put down your mobile and pick up a book) campaign is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing screen time and inculcating reading habits among schoolchildren. This campaign, overseen by the Department of State Education, Research and Training, seeks to encourage 50 lakh government school students to develop a love for reading and become responsible citizens with active and thoughtful minds. It also involves creating awareness about the safe and moderate use of phones and social media through co-curricular activities, and promoting outdoor sports, arts, and library usage. The discussions around the mobile ban also acknowledge practical challenges. Some Vice-Chancellors, while generally supporting the intent, pointed out that many private and elite schools rely on mobile phones for assigning homework, sharing learning materials, and communication. In response, CM Siddaramaiah clarified that his primary concern was the students in government schools, emphasizing the need to protect them from harmful influences and prevent misuse of technology at a young age. This is not the first time such measures have been proposed in Karnataka; a 2014 Legislature Committee had also recommended a ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges to address issues like crimes against women and minors. The overall objective of the Karnataka government is to create a healthier and safer learning environment for young people, mitigating the negative impacts of an intensely digital environment. The state is actively consulting with various departments, child rights advocates, and mental health experts to formulate a comprehensive policy framework for enforcement and digital safety.

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