Karnataka to ban social media for children under 16, says CM Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka government on Friday proposed a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16 amid rising concerns of digital addiction, becoming one of the first Indian states to impose such a restriction amid rising concerns over online safety and excessive screen time among minors.

Presenting his 17th state budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that social media will be banned for kids under 16 in tech-state Karnataka, which houses India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru. He proposed a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore for Karnataka's growth and development.

Also read: Karnataka Budget Highlights: CM Siddaramaiah tables 17th state budget worth Rs 4.48 lakh crore with flood relief and AI in focus


"Social media will be banned for children under the age of 16 to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage. The ban is aimed at preventing the negative impact on children caused by increasing mobile phone usage," Siddaramaiah said.

During the previous Assembly session, Karnataka IT Minister Priyanka Kharge had also indicated that the state government was exploring the possibility of restricting social media access for children.

Several Indian states are considering a ban on the use of social media or mobile phones for children amid mounting concerns on online safety, screen addiction and overuse.

Earlier this year, the Andhra Pradesh government mulled a ban on mobile phone usage in schools. Goa's IT minister had also said that the state is examining the possibility of restricting social media use for children below 16 years, citing rising concerns over digital addiction, cyberbullying and online safety risks.