Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a proposal to restrict the use of social media for children below the age of 16 in the state. The announcement was made during the presentation of the Karnataka Budget for 2026–27.
According to the state government, the move aims to address concerns related to excessive smartphone and social media use among teenagers. Officials said increased screen time has been linked to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and reduced concentration among young users. The proposal also seeks to address risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, and data privacy issues affecting minors.
If implemented, Karnataka would become the first state in India to introduce such a restriction on social media use for children under 16. Similar discussions are taking place in other countries, where governments are exploring measures to regulate digital access for minors.
The government has indicated that the proposal is part of a broader effort to promote safer digital environments for children. Further details on the implementation of the rule are awaited.
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