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Andhra Bans Social Media for Under-13s, Offers Cash for More Kids

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a plan to ban social media access for children under the age of 13 within the next 90 days. Concurrently, the state is proposing a new population policy that includes a Rs 25,000 financial incentive for parents upon the delivery of their second or third child. This dual initiative addresses digital safety for youth and aims to manage demographic trends. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a similar social media ban for children under 16 in his state's budget.

Key Points: AP to Block Social Media for Kids Under 13 in 90 Days

  • Social media ban for under-13s within 90 days
  • Financial incentives for second/third child
  • New population management policy
  • Parallel move in Karnataka for under-16s
  • Aim to curb mobile usage effects on kids
2 min read

Andhra Pradesh to block social media access for children under 13 within 90 days: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra CM Naidu announces social media ban for children under 13 and a new population policy with financial incentives for having more children.

"we will ensure there will be no access to children aged below 13 years of age in the coming 90 days - CM Chandrababu Naidu"

Amaravati, March 6

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday initiated a discussion in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly regarding the ideal age cutoff for restricting social media usage among minors, saying that social media will be banned for children aged below 13 years of age.

According to a source, the Chief Minister stated that "we have received a suggestion to ban social media for children aged below 13 years. Definitely, we will ensure there will be no access to children aged below 13 years of age in the coming 90 days. A discussion is going on whether it should be 13 years or 16 years. If everyone agrees on it, we will decide."

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the state government is considering a new population management policy that includes financial incentives to encourage families to have more children, announcing a proposed Rs 25,000 assistance at the time of delivery for parents who have a second or third child.

Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, CM Naidu presented the state's proposed population management policy. He said that currently about 58 per cent of families have only one child, around 2.17 lakh families have two children, and nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children. He also noted that around three lakh families have only one child instead of two, while another three lakh families have more than two children.

To address this, the government is proposing financial incentives for childbirth. Under the plan, parents who have a parents who have a second child or more will receive Rs 25,000 at the time of delivery.

Similarly, in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Vidhana Soudha.

During his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the move aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Banning is one thing, but how will they enforce it? Kids are smarter with VPNs and fake accounts. The focus should be on digital literacy and parental guidance, not just blocking access.
A
Aditya G
Interesting they are discussing this alongside population incentives. On one hand restricting digital exposure for kids, on the hand encouraging more children. The Rs 25,000 assistance is a good support for middle-class families though.
S
Sarah B
As a parent living in Hyderabad, I welcome this. The comparison with Karnataka's under-16 ban shows there's a national conversation happening. Cyberbullying and inappropriate content are real dangers for children.
V
Vikram M
With all due respect to the CM, this feels like a quick-fix solution. The real issue is the lack of safe, engaging alternatives for children offline. Improve parks, libraries, and community activities first.
N
Nisha Z
Agree with the intent, but implementation is key. Also, what about educational use of social media? Some platforms have great learning communities. A blanket ban might throw the baby out with the bathwater.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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