The Andhra Pradesh government plans to ban social media access for children under 13. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the decision on March 6 in the state assembly. The government aims to implement the restriction within 90 days.
Social Media Ban Details
The ban targets the protection of young children. It aims to shield them from negative impacts of excessive social media use. The government seeks to create safer online spaces for minors. Policies are being developed to prevent under-13s from accessing platforms.
Risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and excessive screen time are key concerns. This move follows a similar exploration by the Karnataka government. Karnataka is also reviewing social media access for younger users.
Potential Extension Considered
The government is evaluating an extended ban. This consideration includes teenagers aged 13 to 16 years. Discussions are ongoing regarding the impact and feasibility of this step. Officials will review existing policies. They will explore technical and regulatory measures for effective implementation.
If enacted, this would represent a strict state-level action in India. The focus is on regulating children’s social media use.