Karnataka Government Considers Mobile Phone Ban for Students Under 16

The Congress-led government in Karnataka is contemplating a prohibition on mobile phone usage among students who are below 16 years of age. This initiative arises from escalating worries regarding social media addiction and its detrimental impact on young individuals. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has indicated that the proposal is presently being evaluated and is seeking feedback from vice-chancellors of state-run universities concerning the accessibility of mobile phones for minors on school campuses.

During a recent meeting, Siddaramaiah stated, "Today we are discussing this, and as you are all the vice-chancellors here, I seek your opinion. Children are falling prey to drugs. Also, in line with various other countries, like Australia, there is a thought to ban mobile phones among students. I want your opinion on this. We are looking at this." He emphasised the rising addiction to social media among students, cautioning that excessive exposure could adversely affect their behaviour, educational outcomes, and mental health. The Chief Minister also highlighted the increased risk of children encountering drug-related influences.

In a related context, Karnataka’s Electronics and Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge recently revealed to the Legislative Assembly that the state government is engaging with stakeholders to promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, particularly for younger audiences. This initiative addresses the dangers associated with unrestricted access to technology.

Karnataka's considerations mirror actions being discussed in other states across India. The Goa government, for instance, is reviewing a proposal to restrict children below 16 from accessing popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Education Minister Nara Lokesh has indicated that the government is contemplating stricter regulations on minors’ social media access. He cited rising concerns regarding online harassment, especially towards women, as well as the adverse effects of excessive screen time on children's attention spans and academic performance.

Lokesh stated, "Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored." To address these issues, the Andhra Pradesh government has established a Group of Ministers meeting aimed at exploring existing legal frameworks to ensure age-appropriate access to online platforms. This meeting will include major technology companies such as Meta Platforms, X Corp., Google, and ShareChat, to discuss global best practices that could make social media safer for women and children.

As discussions continue across different states, the focus remains on establishing frameworks that protect children and promote healthier online interactions. The Karnataka government’s proposal and similar initiatives in other regions underscore a growing recognition of the need to address the challenges posed by increasing screen time and social media use among minors.