In a move aimed at tackling growing concerns around digital addiction and excessive screen time among children, the Karnataka government has proposed banning social media usage for children under the age of 16.

Presenting the state’s budget, chief minister Siddaramaiah said the move is aimed at addressing the growing problem of digital addiction.

“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,” he said.

The announcement comes amid increasing concerns among policymakers about the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s learning, behaviour, and overall well-being. The Karnataka government was earlier examining international examples of age-based restrictions on social media.

Last month, after interacting with vice chancellors at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Siddaramaiah said the state government was looking at similar measures introduced or proposed in other countries.

He added that the state would study these global models before finalising a framework to implement such restrictions in Karnataka.

(The story will be updated soon)

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