Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Friday announced a ban on the use of social media by children, becoming the first Indian states to introduce such restrictions, though for different age groups.

The decision comes amid a global debate on safeguarding children from excessive social media use. Countries such as Australia and Indonesia have already implemented similar measures.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said social media would be prohibited for children below 13 years of age. Addressing the state Assembly, he said the government would ensure that children under 13 are unable to access social media within 90 days.

Naidu added that the government was also considering whether the restriction should be extended to teenagers between 13 and 16 years.

In neighbouring Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that social media use will be banned for children below the age of 16.

Presenting the 2026–27 state Budget in the Assembly, Siddaramaiah said the move was aimed at preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children.

He later clarified that children below 16 would still be allowed to possess mobile phones but would not be permitted to use social media platforms. The government will formulate a programme to implement the restriction, he said.

Earlier this year, Karnataka’s Minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge told the Legislative Assembly that the government was consulting stakeholders on measures for responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, particularly among children.

The Union government’s Economic Survey presented in Parliament in January also suggested considering age-based access to online platforms and reducing online teaching to curb digital addiction.

Experts expressed mixed views on the move.

Dr Saritha Nagaraj, a consultant in psychology and child development at Motherhood Hospital in Bengaluru, said limiting social media exposure could reduce mental health risks among children and teenagers, including anxiety, depression and sleep issues, while improving attention span and academic performance.

However, Dr Rakshay Shetty of Rainbow Children’s Hospital said a blanket ban may be difficult to enforce and could prove impractical. He suggested that guidelines on balanced and limited use of mobile devices may be more effective.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya welcomed the decision, stating on social media that he had raised the issue in Parliament and urged restrictions on smartphone use among children.

Policy analyst Aparajita Bharti of the Quantum Hub said a ban may not have the intended effect in India, where many families share devices. She also noted that defining what constitutes social media could be challenging.

In 2025, Australia introduced a ban on social media access for children under 16, restricting platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Indonesia has also implemented similar restrictions for users under 16.

Also Read: Karnataka budget announcements: 800 new KPS, teacher recruitment and social media ban for below 16