AP, K’taka push for social media ban for minors

Amaravati/Bengaluru: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are pushing to ban social media use among children, citing growing concerns over the impact of excessive screen time and early exposure to digital platforms on young minds.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said social media will be prohibited for children below 13 years of age within the next 90 days. Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government is also actively debating whether to extend the ban to children between 13 and 16 years of age.

“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” Naidu said, adding that the government will take a call soon on restrictions for teenagers in the 13–16 age group.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government will move to ban the use of social media for children below the age of 16, citing concerns over the impact of excessive mobile phone usage.