North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: Two major states of South India, Andhra Pradesh And Karnataka Keeping in mind the mental health and safety of children, the government has taken a historic decision to impose strict restrictions on the use of social media.
Considering the negative impact of digital addiction and behavior of children, South Indian states have taken strict measures. 6 March 2026 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced these restrictions in their respective assemblies.
Andhra Pradesh: Ban on age below 13 years, will be implemented in 90 days
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced in the Assembly that in Andhra Pradesh under 13 years of age Social media will be completely banned for children.
Big program: The government will launch a special campaign within the next 90 days to remove children’s access to these platforms.
Next step: Government considering the proposal of IT Minister Nara Lokesh 13 to 16 years It is also brainstorming special guidelines for teenagers.
Target: CM Naidu said, “Misuse of technology can become a weapon, we have to protect our children from digital addiction.”
Karnataka: Announcement of ban on age below 16 years in the budget session
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presenting the budget for the financial year 2026-27 under 16 years of age Announced a ban on social media for children.
Part of Budget: This proposal has been placed under the ‘School Education’ section. The government aims to curb increasing screen time, mental health problems and academic decline among children.
“Leave the mobile, grab the book”: “Mobile Bidi, Pustak Hidi” campaign is already being run in the state to get rid of mobile addiction.
Experts’ Opinion: The decision has been taken after lengthy discussions with vice-chancellors and child experts, who had linked mobile phones to crimes and mental stress.
Why was this restriction necessary? (Key Reasons)
The governments of both the states have mainly given three big reasons behind this:
Mental Health: Stress caused by social media, cyber bullying and comparative behavior are having a deep impact on the minds of children.
Learning Ability: Due to excessive screen time, the attention span of children is decreasing and their studies are getting affected.
Online Security: Young children often become victims of harmful content and online fraud.
Based on Australian model
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh clarified that these states of India Australia’s ‘under-16’ laws Are being studied closely. The government will soon create a strong legal framework so that social media companies strictly follow these rules.
