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Andhra Pradesh to Ban Social Media for Children Under 13, Considers Teen Restrictions

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the state will ban social media use for children under 13 years of age, with steps to be implemented within 90 days. A decision on whether to extend restrictions to the 13-16 age group will be made after further consensus is reached. This move aligns with Karnataka's recent declaration of a ban for those under 16 and follows internal government discussions on creating safer online spaces. State ministers have been studying legal frameworks and consulting with major tech platforms to develop age-appropriate access policies.

Key Points: AP to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 13, Eyes Teen Rules

  • Ban for under-13s within 90 days
  • Decision pending for 13-16 age group
  • Follows similar move by Karnataka
  • Legal frameworks for age-appropriate access studied
  • Major platforms like Meta, Google consulted
3 min read

Andhra Pradesh to ban social media for children under 13

Andhra Pradesh CM announces a ban on social media for children under 13. A decision on restricting 13-16 age group is pending consensus.

"We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children. - Nara Lokesh"

Amaravati, March 6

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday that the state government will ban use of social media for children under the age of 13 years and that a decision on whether to bar children in 13-16 age group from using social media will be taken after arriving at a consensus.

Speaking on the Appropriation Bill in the State Legislative Assembly, he said steps would be taken within 90 days to ban social media for children under the age of 13.

"A discussion is on what to do with regard to the children in 13-16 age group. A decision will be taken after arriving at a consensus," he said.

Chief Minister Naidu's announcement came on a day when Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that use of social media will be banned for those under the age of 16.

Last month, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha had told the Assembly that the government is considering a legislation to bar school students from using social media.

She stated that the sub-committee has met twice so far and discussed various issues at length.

The sub-committee reviewed the measures being implemented in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

In January, Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh had stated that the government will study legal frameworks for 'age-appropriate access' to social media.

Lokesh said the government would ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact, especially for women and children.

He stated that children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education.

The minister had also revealed that the group of ministers ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access. It also invited major platforms like Meta, X, Google and Sharechat to the next meeting, to examine global best practices. "We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children," Lokesh had said.

The group of ministers is examining the possibility of restricting or banning access to certain social media platforms for children in 13-16 age group.

On February 10, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had urged the Centre to consider age-based regulation of social media.

TDP Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu met Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and submitted a memorandum, requesting for policy deliberation on age-based regulation of social media for children.

He requested that the Ministry consider constituting a dedicated committee or expert group to study age-based regulation of social media and recommend a comprehensive national policy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good intention, but how will they enforce this? Kids are smarter with tech than the babus making these laws. They'll use VPNs or fake birthdays. Focus should be on digital literacy and parental guidance, not just bans.
A
Arjun K
Finally! The cyberbullying and inappropriate content exposure for young kids is a real menace. Karnataka and now AP are showing the way. Other states should follow. Protecting childhood is important.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the concern, a blanket ban feels heavy-handed. Social media is also a tool for learning and connection. Maybe regulated, supervised access for educational purposes could be an option? The 13-16 group discussion is crucial.
V
Vikram M
The real issue is the content and algorithms designed to addict. Government should pressure these Meta and Google giants to change their design for young Indian users, not just ban access. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
I agree with the move for under 13. But for teenagers (13-16), a complete ban might backfire. They need to learn responsible usage in today's world. Schools should have mandatory digital citizenship classes instead.

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