A debate around banning social media for children under 16 is gathering momentum in India, with ministers in several states saying they are studying a law that recently came into effect in Australia. Ministers in at least two southern states expressed their interest in examining the potential effectiveness of such a ban in keeping children away from social media. Meanwhile, the recent Economic Survey, an annual report led by India's chief economic adviser, recommended that the federal government consider implementing age-based restrictions on social media use by children. These recommendations are advisory but could shape future policy decisions.
Despite the growing calls for action, experts caution that implementing a ban would not be straightforward, facing potential legal challenges. Australia recently became the first country worldwide to impose an age verification requirement for social media accounts, leading to mixed reactions from platforms. Similarly, France and the UK are looking into similar age-based regulations on social media use for minors.
In India, LSK Devarayalu, a lawmaker from Andhra Pradesh, has suggested a bill to prohibit children's access to social media. However, this proposed legislation does not reflect government policy and may only influence parliamentary discourse. In addition to these discussions, the Andhra Pradesh government is consulting major social media platforms to study their regulatory frameworks and understand the challenges better.
Concerns about children excessively using social media and the associated impact on their education and mental health have prompted further examination from various stakeholders. Discussions among government officials from Goa and Karnataka also indicate a growing interest in implementing restrictions, although clarity on age definitions and specific legislative proposals remains forthcoming.
Digital rights activists warn that enforcing such bans presents unique challenges in a diverse country like India, noting potential issues with age verification and conflicting state regulations. Many parents also recognize that the core issue lies in a lack of parental engagement and supervision, urging for a more multifaceted approach to address the concerns surrounding children's social media usage.
Despite the growing calls for action, experts caution that implementing a ban would not be straightforward, facing potential legal challenges. Australia recently became the first country worldwide to impose an age verification requirement for social media accounts, leading to mixed reactions from platforms. Similarly, France and the UK are looking into similar age-based regulations on social media use for minors.
In India, LSK Devarayalu, a lawmaker from Andhra Pradesh, has suggested a bill to prohibit children's access to social media. However, this proposed legislation does not reflect government policy and may only influence parliamentary discourse. In addition to these discussions, the Andhra Pradesh government is consulting major social media platforms to study their regulatory frameworks and understand the challenges better.
Concerns about children excessively using social media and the associated impact on their education and mental health have prompted further examination from various stakeholders. Discussions among government officials from Goa and Karnataka also indicate a growing interest in implementing restrictions, although clarity on age definitions and specific legislative proposals remains forthcoming.
Digital rights activists warn that enforcing such bans presents unique challenges in a diverse country like India, noting potential issues with age verification and conflicting state regulations. Many parents also recognize that the core issue lies in a lack of parental engagement and supervision, urging for a more multifaceted approach to address the concerns surrounding children's social media usage.
