The Andhra Pradesh government plans to ban social media for children under 13. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the proposal on March 6. The government aims to implement the restriction within 90 days. This move seeks to protect young children from online risks.
Social Media Ban Proposal
The proposed law targets cyberbullying and harmful online content. It also aims to reduce excessive screen time for minors. The government is developing policies to enforce this ban. These policies will prevent children under 13 from accessing social media platforms.
Broader Considerations
The government is also reviewing a potential ban for teenagers aged 13 to 16. Discussions are ongoing regarding the impact and feasibility of this extended restriction. Chief Minister Naidu stated, “Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media.” Officials will examine existing policies. They will also explore technical and regulatory measures for effective implementation.
Context and Impact
Andhra Pradesh’s initiative follows a similar announcement from the Karnataka government. Karnataka is also exploring regulations for younger social media users. If enacted, this ban would represent one of India’s stricter state-level actions. It aims to regulate child and teen social media usage. The government’s focus is on creating safer online environments for children.