The Karnataka government is exploring a proposal to ban or limit mobile phone and social media use for children below 16 to combat addiction, protect mental health, and improve academic focus, officials said.
The Karnataka government is considering a significant policy shift that could restrict or even ban mobile phone and social media use for children under 16, amid growing concerns about technology addiction, exposure to harmful content and adverse behavioural effects on minors. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken the lead in this discussion, convening a conclave of vice-chancellors from state universities to seek their views on the proposed measure.
In a high-profile meeting, Siddaramaiah flagged the rising obsession with social media and smartphone use among young students, stating that excessive screen time is affecting children’s mental health, behaviour, educational outcomes and overall well-being.
“Today we are discussing this, and as you are all the vice chancellors here, I seek your opinion. Children are falling prey to drugs. Also, in line with various other countries, like Australia, there is a thought to ban mobile phones among students,” the Chief Minister told university leaders.
The proposal still very much in a consultative phase covers both mobile phones and access to social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X, though no final decision has been taken yet. Government sources say the measure would be aimed at minors and would not restrict adult use of digital tools.
Concerns, Consultations and Comparisons with Global Trends
Officials emphasise that the government’s intention is to strike a balance between technology as a learning tool and its unhealthy overuse. Karnataka’s Electronics, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge has reiterated that the state is engaging with stakeholders to chart a responsible path forward, including possible safeguards on artificial intelligence and social media aimed at protecting children.
The discussions are inspired in part by global trends. Australia, for instance, has already enacted laws banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, a move policymakers here are studying closely. European nations such as France, Denmark and Finland are also exploring or implementing age-based restrictions on digital platforms particularly social networks as part of broader efforts to protect young users.
Support and Concerns from Educators and Experts
Some vice-chancellors and educators have voiced support for measures that curb rampant phone use, pointing to observed declines in attention spans, increased distraction in classrooms and an uptick in mental health complaints among students. However, there is also practical resistance, particularly from representatives of private and elite schools where mobile phones are used for homework, communication and the distribution of learning materials.
In response, Siddaramaiah stressed that his primary focus is on safeguarding children in government and general community settings who may be more vulnerable to online harms. Officials are examining how such a policy could be implemented including enforcement mechanisms, possible exceptions for academic use, digital literacy programmes and parental controls — before any legislation or guidelines are prepared. (The News Minute)
Public health and child development experts have added another layer to the debate. They acknowledge the real harms associated with excessive smartphone use, such as compromised sleep, reduced physical activity and increased exposure to inappropriate or harmful online content. However, they also caution that an outright ban may be difficult to enforce and could inadvertently push youngsters to find workarounds, or fail to instil the necessary skills for children to safely engage with digital tools in an increasingly connected world.
Context: National Debate on Youth Digital Safety
Karnataka’s deliberations come at a time when several Indian states are grappling with similar questions. Andhra Pradesh and Goa are also considering stricter regulations on minors’ access to social media and mobile devices after citing concerns over harassment, screen addiction and its impact on educational performance. (The Economic Times)
At the national level, Union ministers have mentioned ongoing consultations with technology companies and regulators to explore age-based restrictions and verification systems for younger users. While there is no current law banning social media use by minors in India, provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act require platforms to secure verifiable parental consent before processing the data of anyone under 18 — an indirect form of age-based control. (Hindustan Times)
The Karnataka debate also follows educational and social campaigns launched by the state earlier this year. One such initiative, “Mobile Bidi, Pustaka Hidi” (Drop the Mobile, Pick the Book), encourages schoolchildren to engage more with reading and reduce dependence on gadgets — an effort that dovetails with the broader concern about digital addiction. (The Times of India)
Policy Implications and Path Ahead
As consultations continue, Karnataka’s policymakers are exploring a range of options — from campus-based restrictions to comprehensive age-based digital controls, and education-centred interventions that promote healthy technology habits. Officials say that final decisions will take into account feedback from academic leaders, parents, technology experts and child welfare groups.
No specific legislative proposal has been tabled in the state assembly yet. Government sources say the goal is not to stifle innovation or learning but to ensure that children can engage safely with technology while minimising harms. It’s likely that any policy framework will combine elements of awareness campaigns, parental engagement, digital literacy, and targeted restrictions rather than a simple ban.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we recognise the genuine concerns surrounding children’s exposure to smartphones and social media — from mental health risks to harmful online content and distraction from learning. These are complex issues that call for thoughtful, evidence-based solutions rather than knee-jerk bans.
Technology is an integral part of modern life, and shielding children entirely from it may be neither practical nor beneficial in the long run. What is essential, however, is to equip young people with digital literacy, critical thinking skills and safe online behaviours. Parents, educators and policymakers should collaborate to create enabling environments where technology enhances learning and well-being rather than hinders it.
As Karnataka considers its next steps, the conversation should remain grounded in empathy, inclusivity and constructive dialogue rather than punitive measures alone. What balanced policy mix — combining education, safeguards and responsible use guidelines — could best protect children’s digital well-being without isolating them from essential technological skills? We invite readers to share views, experiences and suggestions as this debate unfolds.
