Archive · 26 Jul 2026
PMK Chief Urges Nationwide Social Media Ban for Children Under 16
PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss has asked the Indian government to make a law that stops children under 16 from using social media.
He says this is important to protect their health and education.
France and Australia have already made similar laws.
Many parents and experts are worried because too much social media can cause problems like anxiety, stress, and poor school performance.
Some people think a ban is a good idea, while others believe social media can be useful for learning and staying connected.
The PMK leader says the central government should make this law because states might not have the power to do it.
PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss urges the Centre to ban social media for children under 16.
France has banned social media for children under 15, with the law coming into full effect in January.
Australia was the first country to introduce a similar nationwide ban in December 2025.
Excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, stress, declining self-esteem, and cyberbullying.
Social media addiction is diminishing students' concentration, reading habits, and academic performance.
- Who
- PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss
- What
- Urged the Centre to ban social media for children under 16
- When
- Recent
- Where
- India
- Why
- To safeguard children's physical health, mental well-being, and academic future
Pro-Ban Advocates
Anti-Ban Advocates
Health and Well-being
Pro-Ban Advocates
Excessive social media use harms children's mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, stress, and obesity.
Anti-Ban Advocates
Social media can be a tool for education and social connection, and banning it may limit these benefits.
Academic Performance
Pro-Ban Advocates
Social media addiction diminishes students' concentration, reading habits, and academic performance.
Anti-Ban Advocates
Social media can enhance learning and collaboration, and a ban may not address the root causes of academic issues.
Legal Authority
Pro-Ban Advocates
The Centre should enact a nationwide ban as states may lack constitutional authority to impose such restrictions.
Anti-Ban Advocates
State-level regulations can be more tailored to local needs and may be more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Proposed Ban Age
- Under 16
- Countries with Similar Bans
- France, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia
- Countries Considering Bans
- UK, Spain, Greece, Germany, Denmark
- Impact on Mental Health
- Anxiety, stress, declining self-esteem, cyberbullying
- Impact on Physical Health
- Obesity, vitamin D deficiency
- Impact on Academic Performance
- Diminished concentration, reading habits, academic performance
- Legal Challenges
- States may lack constitutional authority to impose bans