Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Eyes Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16

First State Move, AP & Goa May Follow

The idea comes amid increasing concerns about excessive screen time; declining academic focus; behavioural changes; and mental health challenges among teenagers. The government's view is that unrestricted access to smartphones has greatly fueled the frenzy over social media, exposing children to harmful content and (in some cases) substance abuse networks.
The move also marks Karnataka as the first state to make the most definitive call across social media in terms of barring the use of such media among children. Andhra Pradesh and Goa are among two more states that have referred to potential parallel moves. 

Parents Divided on Social Media Ban

To combat the mounting fears over the influence of social media on the minds of young people, one of the many changes outlined in the scheme, it has received a mixed reception from parents, educators, and political leaders, and has garnered all the support and skepticism regarding the practical implementation of this step.
Many from the education world say stricter regulation of social media for minors is long overdue. 

Educators Back It as "Crisis Fix"

Nooraine Fazal, Managing Trustee & CEO of Inventure Academy in Bengaluru, stated that governments had to act rapidly to address, according to Fazal, a "social media crisis among children." 

Early childhood educators were also supportive of the proposal, underscoring how children today receive influences years earlier than previous generations. Priyanka Belliappa, the founder of Nurtura Pre Schools, said the move could better protect children at a critical time in their mental development. 

BJP Calls It Empty Promise

The proposal has also been sharply criticized by the opposition. BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan pared this announcement down to a headline chase without extensive preparations and questioned if the government has a real framework, in terms of implementation, for doing so. 

Challenge: How to Make It Work?

There are also continuing questions regarding the government’s plan for enforcing such a restriction. State Minister Santosh Lad said the government would work out a plan soon but faced the challenges of implementing it. Government officials cannot honestly see what is, or isn’t, going on inside every home, but noted the step is the first step toward tackling some of the challenges.