Karnataka Bans Social Media Use for Children Under 16
6 March 2026 12:09 PM IST6 March 2026 12:09 PM IST
Meta wants bans applied equally; AP plans ban for U-13s
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BENGALURU, Vijayawada: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a ban on the use of mobile phones by students under 16 years, citing concerns over the adverse effects of excessive phone usage, particularly social media.
The announcement was made in the state Budget presented by Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, in Bengaluru. The Budget stated that the government would “ban usage of mobile phones by students under 16 years with the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage by children including usage of social media.”
Earlier, the Chief Minister had raised the proposal during a vice-chancellors’ conference in Bengaluru and sought their views on the proposed restriction. As Karnataka announced the move, Meta Platforms cautioned that governments considering such restrictions should ensure they do not push teenagers towards less safe or unregulated platforms.
In a statement, Meta said it would comply with local laws where such bans are enforced, but added that with teenagers using nearly 40 apps every week, “targeting a handful of companies won't keep them safe.”
“Bans need to be applied equally,” the US-headquartered social media company said.
Vice-chancellors reportedly supported the proposal to restrict mobile phone use among children below 16 years. However, one of them pointed out that parents often provide mobile phones to children for safety reasons and suggested such concerns be taken into account before implementing the ban.
Referring to similar restrictions in Australia and several European countries, Siddaramaiah said increasing dependence on mobile phones and social media had led to addiction among students and affected their academic prospects.
While vice-chancellors supported the phone ban, they expressed reservations about the government’s plan to reintroduce elections to student unions in colleges and universities.
Meanwhile, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said social media would be prohibited for children below 13 years within the next 90 days in the state.
Addressing the Assembly, Naidu said the government was also considering whether to extend the restriction to children aged between 13 and 16 years.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” he said. He added that a decision would be taken soon on restricting social media use for teenagers aged between 13 and 16 years.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had raised the proposal during a vice-chancellors’ conference in Bengaluru and sought their views on the proposed restriction. As Karnataka announced the move, Meta Platforms cautioned that governments considering such restrictions should ensure they do not push teenagers towards less safe or unregulated platforms.
In a statement, Meta said it would comply with local laws where such bans are enforced, but added that with teenagers using nearly 40 apps every week, “targeting a handful of companies won't keep them safe.”
“Bans need to be applied equally,” the US-headquartered social media company said.
Vice-chancellors reportedly supported the proposal to restrict mobile phone use among children below 16 years. However, one of them pointed out that parents often provide mobile phones to children for safety reasons and suggested such concerns be taken into account before implementing the ban.
Referring to similar restrictions in Australia and several European countries, Siddaramaiah said increasing dependence on mobile phones and social media had led to addiction among students and affected their academic prospects.
While vice-chancellors supported the phone ban, they expressed reservations about the government’s plan to reintroduce elections to student unions in colleges and universities.
Meanwhile, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said social media would be prohibited for children below 13 years within the next 90 days in the state.
Addressing the Assembly, Naidu said the government was also considering whether to extend the restriction to children aged between 13 and 16 years.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” he said. He added that a decision would be taken soon on restricting social media use for teenagers aged between 13 and 16 years.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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