Karnataka Bans Social Media for Under-16s; CM Cites Child Safety

In a landmark decision announced during the presentation of the Karnataka Budget 2026-27 on Friday, March 6, 2026, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that social media use will be banned for children under the age of 16 across the state. This significant policy move positions Karnataka as the first state in India to implement such a definitive restriction on social media access for minors, reflecting a growing global concern over the digital well-being of young individuals. The Chief Minister emphasized that the ban is primarily aimed at preventing the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage among children. He highlighted concerns regarding smartphone addiction, online safety risks, excessive screen exposure, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the overall negative impact on mental health and academic performance of young users. The government's decision follows increasing apprehension among parents, educators, and experts about the prolonged screen time and its detrimental consequences on children's development. Studies suggesting that a large percentage of children aged 10 to 15 spend excessive hours daily on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have fueled these concerns, leading to reports of declining attention spans, academic issues, and social isolation among young users. The idea of regulating children's access to social media had been under discussion within the Karnataka government for some time. State IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge had earlier indicated that the government was exploring measures to ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media among young users. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had also expressed worries about the impact of excessive screen time on children's health. Furthermore, BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar had urged the government to address the issue seriously, warning of the potential harm of unregulated social media exposure to both education and family environments. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had engaged with university vice-chancellors prior to the budget, seeking their opinions on restricting mobile phone usage for children under 16, indicating a well-considered approach to the policy. This announcement aligns with international discussions and actions on regulating children's online presence. Several countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Finland, have been exploring or implementing measures to limit social media access for younger users, while some European schools have already imposed smartphone restrictions in classrooms. Karnataka's proactive step is seen as a significant stride in digital policy for child protection within India. While the announcement establishes the government's intent, the specifics of enforcement measures for the ban are yet to be fully detailed. It is anticipated that social media platforms will be mandated to introduce stringent age verification systems. The proposal also hints at the implementation of parental control mechanisms, potentially linked with Aadhaar, India's unique identification system, to ensure compliance. This intersects with India's existing data protection framework, specifically the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. These regulations require data fiduciaries to obtain verifiable consent from parents or legal guardians before processing a child's personal data, a principle that the new ban is expected to reinforce and expand upon. The decision by the Karnataka government has garnered support from various quarters, particularly from educationists and child development experts who welcome the move as essential for safeguarding children's mental well-being and encouraging healthier lifestyles. However, the implementation details and their practical implications for social media companies and citizens will be crucial to observe as the policy takes shape. The move highlights a growing awareness about the dangers associated with excessive screen time and the necessity for robust digital safety policies for children in the evolving digital landscape.

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