Karnataka weighing the possibility of mobile phone, social media ban for children under 16

The discussion around limiting children’s access to social media is gathering momentum across India, with Karnataka currently considering potential restrictions amid rising concerns about the effects of excessive screen time on young users. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought the views of vice chancellors of state universities on whether children below 16 should be barred from using mobile phones or social media platforms. The CM said that the overuse of digital devices was increasingly affecting students’ learning abilities, behaviour patterns and mental health.

Several vice chancellors supported the idea in principle. However, some also highlighted practical challenges, noting that many private and elite schools increasingly rely on smartphones for homework assignments, digital submissions and classroom communication.

At the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Centre is discussing with technology companies what additional safeguards may be required to protect minors online. He emphasised that deepfakes are an escalating concern and indicated that stronger regulatory measures could be considered if consensus emerges in Parliament.

The recent Economic Survey has also flagged what it described as growing digital addiction among young Indians, warning that compulsive online engagement can reduce productivity, harm sleep cycles and affect academic performance. It suggested policymakers may need to consider age-linked access limits along with stronger platform responsibility for safeguards and age verification.