Karnataka Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 in 2026-27 Budget

Bengaluru, 6 March 2026: Karnataka has proposed a ban on social media for children under 16 years in its Budget 2026-27, aiming to curb digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the policy is designed to create a safer digital environment for children and teenagers, making Karnataka the first state in India to propose such a restriction.

“Unrestricted access to social media can negatively impact mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being of children. Our goal is to protect the younger generation from harmful content while promoting responsible digital use,” the Chief Minister said.

Objective of the Proposal

• Reduce digital addiction and excessive screen time among children.

• Protect children from harmful content and targeted advertisements on social media platforms.

• Promote mental well-being, academic focus, and healthy lifestyle habits for children.

The proposal currently remains at the policy stage, and the government has not yet finalised mechanisms for age verification or enforcement across platforms operating in the state.

Wider Indian Context

Following Karnataka’s announcement, Andhra Pradesh has also considered social media restrictions for children. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu indicated the state may limit social media access for children under 13 and implement monitored access for teenagers aged 13-16.

At the national level, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted that India is exploring age-based access regulations under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which already mandates parental consent for minors.

Global Trends in Age-Based Social Media Restrictions

• Australia recently banned social media for children under 16 citing mental health and safety concerns.

• France and several European countries are implementing or considering similar age-based restrictions.

• The global focus is on balancing digital access and online safety for young users while encouraging responsible use.

Key Takeaways

• Karnataka leads India in proposing age-specific social media restrictions.

• Policy aims to safeguard children from harmful content, reduce digital dependency, and ensure mental well-being.

• The move is part of a broader national and international conversation on children’s digital safety.

This proposal could become a template for other states and national-level policy, reflecting growing global concern over the impact of social media on young users.