AP plans ban on social media use for children below 13

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a major policy move aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of excessive digital exposure, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced in the State Legislative Assembly that the government plans to prohibit children below 13 years of age from using social media platforms.

The Chief Minister made the announcement on Friday while speaking during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill in the Assembly. He said the government intends to introduce strict regulatory measures within the next 90 days to ensure that young children are kept away from social media. Naidu explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard children’s mental well-being and ensure that their education and personal development are not adversely affected by excessive exposure to digital platforms.

The Chief Minister also revealed that the government is currently deliberating on possible regulations for children aged between 13 and 16 years. He said the final decision on this age group will be taken only after wider consultations and consensus-building among stakeholders. “We will hold discussions with experts, parents, and other stakeholders before finalizing regulations for teenagers between 13 and 16 years,” Naidu said in the Assembly.

Interestingly, the announcement coincided with a similar development in neighbouring Karnataka, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly announced plans to restrict social media access for those under 16 years of age.

The proposal to regulate children’s access to social media has been under discussion within the Andhra Pradesh government for several months. Last month, State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha informed the Assembly that the government was examining the possibility of bringing legislation to limit school students’ access to social media platforms.

A cabinet sub-committee has already held multiple meetings to examine policy frameworks implemented in other states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Meanwhile, IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has repeatedly expressed concern over the growing impact of social media on students’ concentration and academic performance. According to him, excessive use of digital platforms is affecting students’ attention spans and overall learning outcomes.

Lokesh earlier indicated that the state government is exploring international best practices to address the issue and may hold discussions with global technology companies such as Meta, Google, and X to develop effective safeguards. “The goal is to make social media a safer space for women and children while ensuring responsible digital usage,” he had said earlier.

In a related development, TDP Member of Parliament Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu recently submitted a representation to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking the introduction of a national policy to regulate social media access based on age.