Karnataka explores social media restrictions for children
By | Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
The Karnataka government is considering regulating children’s access to social media, following similar measures introduced or proposed in countries such as Australia, Finland and the United Kingdom. State IT Minister Priyank Kharge informed the assembly that the matter is currently under discussion, as concerns grow about minors being exposed to inappropriate digital content.
The issue was raised during a discussion on the impact of online content on children, with lawmakers seeking safeguards to reduce harm caused by early exposure to social media.
‘Responsible AI and social media use’ under discussion: Kharge
Speaking in the Karnataka assembly on Thursday, Kharge said several countries have already taken decisions or are exploring restrictions on minors’ social media use.
“Finland has made a decision, the UK is also considering similar measures, and Australia took a call two months ago by banning social media exposure for children. We are also discussing what needs to be done in terms of the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and social media,” he said.
However, the minister did not specify the age group that may be covered under any restriction, nor did he confirm whether a formal legislation is being drafted.
‘Digital detox’ programme with Meta underway
Kharge also highlighted the state’s ongoing digital moderation initiative aimed at students and teachers. Karnataka has launched a “digital detox” programme in partnership with Meta, focusing on moderating digital habits among school communities.
According to the minister, the programme currently includes:
•Around 3 lakh students
•About 1 lakh teachers
The initiative is positioned as a preventive approach while broader policy options are evaluated.
Legal angle: social media regulation largely under Centre
A key complication is the legal framework. Under the Seventh Schedule, broad regulation of social media platforms and intermediaries falls under the Union government’s domain.
However, states can still enact laws overlapping such areas if they justify them under public order or related necessities—especially when linked to child safety, cyber risks and behavioural health.
Other states also considering similar steps
Karnataka’s discussion comes amid reports that Andhra Pradesh and Goa are also contemplating restrictions on minors’ access to social media, as public concern rises over mental health impacts, addiction patterns and exposure to harmful content.
Economic Survey 2025-26 flags digital addiction as national risk
The issue has also gained traction at the national level. The Economic Survey 2025-26, released Thursday, recommended age-based restrictions on digital platforms, warning that compulsive screen use among young people is creating measurable economic and social costs.
The survey urged digital platforms to:
•Enforce age verification
•Implement age-appropriate default settings
•Restrict features such as auto-play
•Control targeted advertising, especially to minors
•Apply stricter rules to gambling apps
It also warned that digital addiction affects academic and workplace outcomes, citing risks like sleep debt, distraction, reduced focus and productivity loss—impacting India’s long-term economic prospects.
Global trend: Australia, France, Denmark tighten access
Several countries have already implemented restrictions:
1) Australia: National law bans social media use for children under 16, placing responsibility on platforms to prevent minors from holding accounts and imposing heavy penalties for non-compliance.
2) France: Approved legislation restricting social media access for children under 15, aligned with broader school phone restrictions.
3) Denmark: Political agreement reached for a ban under 15, with discussions continuing on exemptions involving parental consent.
These international moves are increasingly shaping Indian policy debates.
BJP MLA demands safeguards; says issue beyond politics
The discussion in the Karnataka assembly was initiated by senior BJP legislator S Suresh Kumar, who urged the government to introduce safeguards to limit children’s access to social media.
“We are losing children because of premature exposure to social media. They are being exposed to pornographic content even before they become adults. This is a very serious matter,” he said.
He also stressed the need to treat the issue as non-political, calling for united action beyond party debates.
