After Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh is now preparing to ban the use of social media by children below the age of 13.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that social media will be restricted for children below the age of 13 in the state for the next 90 days.
The Chief Minister mentioned in the Assembly that they are currently discussing whether to extend this restriction to minors between the ages of 13 and 16.
“We will make sure that within 90 days people below the age of 13 will not be able to use social media,” Naidu said.
The CM noted that his administration will decide whether to ban social media for teenagers aged 13 to 16 years.
Karnataka government has banned social media for children below 16 years of age
In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a ban on the use of social media by persons below the age of 16. The aim of the move is to prevent its adverse effects on children.
Although a cross-section of parents have welcomed the move, they are concerned about its practicality.
“To prevent adverse effects of increasing use of mobile devices on children, the use of social media will be banned for children below the age of 16,” Siddaramaiah said while presenting the State Budget 2026-27 in Bengaluru.
In early January, Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT Priyank Kharge informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government was holding consultations on measures to ensure responsible use of AI and social media, especially among children.
A central government economic survey tabled in parliament in January this year said age-restricted access to online platforms should be considered while limiting online learning to prevent digital addiction.
Indonesia to ban social networks for children under 16
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said on Friday that the administration would ban minors under the age of 16 from using social media. AP.
Hafid told reporters that she recently passed a state mandate that prevents children under 16 from creating profiles on high-risk online services such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
“The bottom line is clear. Our children face ever more real threats. From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most of all, addiction. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight the algorithm giant alone.” Hafid said.
The transition will begin gradually from March 28 until each platform meets its regulatory requirements.
