State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 07 Mar 2026

Karnataka to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Why in News? 

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, announced in the 2026‑27 state budget a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16.  

Key Points: 

• Policy: The ban was proposed during the budget presentation in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.  
  • It forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to ensure safe and responsible use of digital platforms among children. 
• Target Group: The regulation will apply to all children under 16 years of age, restricting access to social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (or any similar digital platforms). 
• Objective: The primary aim is to protect children from exposure to harmful content, reduce the risk of cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues, and promote healthy digital habits among the younger population. 
• Implementation: The government plans to work with platform providers, telecom companies, and educational institutions to enforce the ban effectively.  
  • Measures may include age verification systems and parental control mechanisms. 
• Potential Challenges: Experts have raised questions regarding the practicality of enforcement, the role of parental guidance, and the need for digital literacy programs to complement the restriction. 
• Significance: This is the first state-level policy in India targeting social media access by minors. The move reflects increasing concern globally about the impact of social media on mental health, concentration, and overall development of children. 

Read More: Social media impact,  Digital literacy programs