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Harbhajan Singh Demands Social Media Ban for Under-16s to Protect Kids

AAP MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has urged the government to ban social media for children below 16 and enforce stronger laws to block pornography websites. He warned that exposure to harmful online content is damaging children's mental health and shaping their mindset in unhealthy ways. His call aligns with moves by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments, which are considering similar age-based restrictions. This reflects a global trend, with countries like Australia, France, and Spain implementing various bans and age-verification systems for minors.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh Urges Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

  • Calls for social media ban under 16
  • Urges stricter laws to block porn sites
  • Warns of mental health harm to kids
  • Cites global trend of age restrictions
2 min read

Harbhajan Singh pushes for safer digital space for kids; urges social media ban for children below 16

AAP MP & ex-cricketer Harbhajan Singh calls for a social media ban for under-16s and stricter laws against online porn to protect children's mental health.

"Our children's future is at risk... This is affecting their mental health, increasing anxiety and depression - Harbhajan Singh"

New Delhi, March 15

Aam Aadmi Party MP Harbhajan Singh expressed concerns over explicit content on social media, urging stricter laws to block pornographic websites and regulate online harm.

Speaking in the upper house of Parliament during the second phase of the ongoing budget session, Singh highlighted the risks to children's mental health and societal values.

"Our children's future is at risk. Today, many kids are getting addicted to social media platforms like Instagram and are being exposed to sexualized or semi-pornographic content at a very young age. This is affecting their mental health, increasing anxiety and depression, and shaping their mindset in unhealthy ways," the former Indian cricketer said.

Singh emphasised the need for strict action in this regard and said that the Indian government should enforce "stronger laws to block pornography websites and regulate harmful content online". He also called for the need for a ban on social media for children below 16 and the implementation of strong age-verification systems.

"Let's come together as parents and citizens to demand a safer digital environment for our kids. Protect their innocence, protect their mental health, and protect the future of India's next generation," the former Indian cricketer said.

Earlier this month, the governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were considering restrictions on social media access for children, amid growing concerns due to the impact of excessive screen time on young minds.

While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that social media will be banned for children below 16 years of age in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his government was examining a similar move, with discussions underway on whether the age limit should be set at 13 or extended to 16.

"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 the children below 13 years of age in the coming 90 days," Naidu said in the Assembly earlier.

These state-level moves reflect a global trend. Several nations have recently moved toward similar restrictions: Australia implemented a total under-16 ban in late 2025; France & Greece introduced bans for those under 15, and Spain mandated age verification for minors under 16.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, a blanket ban is not the solution. It will just push kids to use it secretly. We need to teach digital literacy in schools and have open conversations at home. The government should focus on regulating the platforms, not just blocking access.
A
Arjun K
Bhajji paaji is absolutely right! Our culture and values are at stake. Kids are losing their childhood to screens. Other countries are doing it, why can't we? Strong age verification is a must. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the concern, but implementation will be a nightmare. How do you verify age online effectively? And what about educational use of social media? A more nuanced policy is needed, not a sweeping ban.
K
Karthik V
This is a wake-up call for all parents. We cannot just hand over phones to our children and expect them to be safe. The responsibility starts at home. Ban or no ban, we need to be more involved in our kids' digital lives.
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Nikhil C
Good move by Karnataka and Andhra. Hope other states follow. The mental health data is alarming. Kids need to play outside, not scroll through toxic content all day. #SaveChildhood

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