Archive · 31 Jan 2026
India Debates Restricting Children's Social Media Access
In India, there is a big discussion about whether children should be allowed to use social media.
Some people, like Amitabh Kant and Minister Priyank Kharge, think social media is bad for kids because it can make them addicted and affect their brains.
They want to set age limits or even ban social media in schools.
Other countries like Australia and France have already started doing this.
The government is also working with a company called Meta to help kids and teachers take breaks from digital devices.
A lawmaker named LSK Devarayalu has proposed a bill to ban social media for children under 16.
Some people support this idea because they think it will protect kids, while others are worried it might push teens to use less safe sites.
Government and experts debate restricting children's social media access due to concerns over digital addiction and mental health.
Amitabh Kant and the Economic Survey warn about the negative impacts of social media on children's productivity and focus.
Australia and France have implemented age limits for social media use, with other countries considering similar measures.
LSK Devarayalu proposes a bill to ban social media for children under 16, placing the onus on platforms to verify ages.
Government collaborating with Meta on a digital detox program involving 300,000 children and 100,000 teachers.
- Who
- Government of Karnataka, Minister Priyank Kharge, Amitabh Kant, LSK Devarayalu
- What
- Debate on restricting children's social media access and potential legislation
- When
- Discussions ongoing, Economic Survey tabled on January 29, 2026
- Where
- India, with references to global measures in Australia, France, UK, Denmark, Greece
- Why
- Concerns over digital addiction, mental health, and data exploitation
Supporters of Restrictions
Opponents of Restrictions
Age Limits
Supporters of Restrictions
Advocate for strict age limits to protect children from digital addiction and harmful content.
Opponents of Restrictions
Oppose age limits, arguing they may push teens to less safe, unregulated sites.
Data Exploitation
Supporters of Restrictions
Highlight concerns about India being a major data provider for foreign platforms without economic benefits.
Opponents of Restrictions
Emphasize the importance of free speech and the potential negative impact on user experience.
- Key Figures
- Amitabh Kant, Priyank Kharge, LSK Devarayalu
- Countries with Similar Measures
- Australia, France, UK, Denmark, Greece
- Digital Detox Program
- 300,000 children and 100,000 teachers involved
- Economic Survey Warnings
- Digital addiction leading to reduced productivity, mental health issues, and economic losses
- Proposed Bill
- Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety) Bill by LSK Devarayalu
Sources
Govt mulling restricting social media access of children
Modi ally proposes social media ban for India’s teens as global debate grows
‘Frying kids’ brains’: Amitabh Kant backs age limits as Economic Survey warns social media pitfalls
PM Modi ally pushes bill to restrict social media platforms for under 16: 'Becoming addicted'
PM Narendra Modi ally proposes bill to restrict social media access for children as global debate grows
‘100% agree with Economic Survey’: Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant rallies behind age limit policy for social media
