Karnataka to Ban Social Media for Under-16s, Citing Child Protection

The government of Karnataka, India, has announced a significant policy to ban the use of social media for all individuals under the age of 16. This decision was formally declared by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the presentation of the state budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on March 6, 2026. The primary motivation behind this unprecedented move is to mitigate the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage on children, addressing concerns related to their mental health, academic performance, and overall development. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted that the ban is intended to shield young users from the negative impacts of excessive screen time and exposure to potentially harmful content. He noted that this decision stems from ongoing discussions and consultations, including seeking the opinions of vice-chancellors on a proposal to restrict mobile phone and social media access for minors. These discussions emphasized the detrimental effects of excessive gadget use on children's learning abilities, behavior, and mental well-being. Karnataka's decision positions it as the first state in India to implement such a definitive restriction on social media access for minors. This move aligns with a growing global trend of increased scrutiny over minors' digital usage. Countries like Australia have already enacted similar bans for under-16s, and nations such as France, Spain, and the UK are considering or have implemented comparable measures. The announcement has garnered widespread attention, with several media outlets reporting on the policy. Other Indian states are also exploring similar initiatives. For instance, Andhra Pradesh has indicated it is preparing a policy to restrict social media use for children below the age of 13, and Goa's IT minister has stated that the state is examining the possibility of restricting social media use for children below 16. The Union government in India is also engaged in discussions with social media platforms regarding age-based restrictions. While the exact date of implementation and enforcement mechanisms are yet to be detailed, the budget document confirms the prohibition of access for under-16s. This policy intersects with India's existing legal framework, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), which mandates verifiable parental consent for processing the personal data of children under 18. Rule 10 of the DPDP Rules, 2025, further outlines the technical and organizational measures platforms must adopt to verify parental consent. However, the move has also sparked debate among experts and stakeholders. Some mental health professionals and educators have cautioned against a blanket ban, suggesting that it could have unintended psychological and social consequences for adolescents who increasingly depend on digital platforms for education, communication, and social interaction. Concerns have been raised that such bans might push young users towards unregulated online spaces or VPNs, making monitoring even more challenging. Experts recommend a phased approach involving digital literacy programs, age-appropriate guidelines, and a shared responsibility model involving parents, schools, and policymakers to foster healthier digital habits rather than outright prohibition. India is a significant global market for social media, with a vast number of internet users and smartphone penetration. The decision by Karnataka, a state known for its technological prominence, underscores the growing concern among Indian policymakers about the impact of digital technologies on the younger generation. The implementation and effectiveness of this ban will be closely watched, potentially setting a precedent for other states and influencing national digital policy for minors.

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