That’s the daily routine for millions of Indian children, and Karnataka’s government has officially had enough. The Karnataka government is mulling restrictions on mobile phone and social media use for children below 16, citing concerns over addiction, online gaming, and academic impact. Wikipedia
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought the views of vice chancellors during an interaction on Saturday, saying prolonged screen exposure was affecting students’ learning abilities, behaviour and mental health. DNA India He asked university leaders a simple but loaded question: should we ban phones for minors on campuses?
That question is now echoing across India — and beyond.
Table of Contents
What’s Being Proposed & Who Else Is Doing It in Karnataka
| State / Country | Proposal | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Mobile ban for under-16s on campuses | Under consultation |
| Himachal Pradesh | Phone ban in all schools | From March 1, 2026 |
| Goa | Social media ban under 16 | Under discussion |
| Andhra Pradesh | Age-appropriate access framework | Ministerial study ordered |
| Australia | Full social media ban under 16 | Already in effect |
| France | Social media ban under 15 | Proposed by Macron |
| California, USA | Social media ban under 16 | Proposed by Governor Newsom |
Why Karnataka Is Taking This Seriously Now
French President Emmanuel Macron, while speaking at the AI Impact Summit, urged Prime Minister Modi to ban social media use for children under 15, saying “Children protection from AI is going to be France’s G7 priority.”
The pressure isn’t just global — it’s data-driven. A 2025 study commissioned by Australia found that 96% of children aged 10–15 were using social media, and seven out of ten had been exposed to harmful content.
Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that his department, in collaboration with Meta, is already running a digital detox programme covering more than three lakh students and one lakh teachers. Amit Sarda This ban, if passed, would be the logical next step.
For more on how India is regulating technology for young users, we’re tracking every development as it unfolds.
The Real Cost of Not Acting
India’s social media addiction crisis among teenagers isn’t just about distraction — it’s linked to anxiety, disrupted sleep, declining academic performance, and in extreme cases, exposure to drugs and harmful content online. India’s Economic Survey flagged rising digital dependency among young Indians, warning that compulsive online engagement can reduce productivity, disturb sleep cycles and affect academic performance.
The critics raise fair concerns about enforcement and overreach — but the parents who’ve watched their children disappear into Instagram reels at 2 AM know exactly what’s at stake.
Stay tuned to Technosports for the latest in tech policy and digital wellness news from across India.
FAQs
Q: What is Karnataka’s proposed mobile phone ban for children?
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is consulting education authorities on banning mobile phone use for students under 16 on campuses, citing rising social media addiction and its harmful effects on mental health and academics.
Q: Which other Indian states are considering similar phone or social media bans?
Himachal Pradesh has already announced a school phone ban from March 2026, while Goa and Andhra Pradesh are actively discussing age-based restrictions similar to Australia’s under-16 social media ban.
