Karnataka has announced a major digital policy that could set a precedent for the rest of the country. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that the state will ban the use of social media platforms for children under the age of 16. With this decision, Karnataka is set to become the first state in India to introduce such a restriction.
The announcement came during the presentation of the Karnataka Budget for 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. The budget proposes a total expenditure of ₹4,48,004 crore, reflecting a 13.3% increase compared to the revised estimates of ₹3,95,307 crore for the previous financial year.
The government said the move aims to address the growing concerns about excessive mobile phone use and its impact on young people.
Why Karnataka Is Banning Social Media for Under-16 Users?
The state government has expressed concern over the increasing use of smartphones and social media among school-age children. Officials believe that excessive screen time can affect mental health, academic performance, and overall development.
While presenting the budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the policy intends to protect children from the harmful effects of uncontrolled digital exposure.
He stated in his budget speech, “To prevent adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16.”
The government plans to introduce regulatory measures to ensure that social media platforms are not accessible to users below the specified age.
Karnataka Budget 2026–27 Highlights
Along with the social media policy announcement, the state government unveiled a large financial plan aimed at development and welfare programmes.
The ₹4.48 lakh crore budget represents one of the largest budgets in Karnataka’s history. The increase reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure development, education, and social welfare initiatives.
The policy discussions during the budget session also included issues related to student well-being, digital habits, and substance abuse prevention.
Social Media Ban in Karnataka: Mobile Phone Restrictions for Students: Earlier Discussions
The idea of restricting digital usage among minors had already been discussed within the Karnataka government before the budget announcement.
Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of universities to discuss whether stricter controls should be imposed on mobile phone usage among children under the age of 16.
Other senior ministers in the state government had also voiced concerns about the rising impact of smartphones and social media on young people.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge previously suggested that stronger steps may be needed to address digital addiction among students.
Steps to Prevent Drug Use Among Students
Apart from regulating social media access, the Karnataka government has also announced measures to tackle drug abuse among students.
The Education Department will create strict guidelines aimed at preventing the use of drugs within educational institutions. Authorities plan to conduct awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to educate students about the risks of substance abuse.
These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to improve student welfare and promote a healthier academic environment.
A First-of-Its-Kind Policy in India
Karnataka’s decision to ban social media for children under 16 could spark a wider debate across India about digital regulation for minors. As smartphone use continues to grow among young users, policymakers in other states may watch the implementation of this rule closely.
If implemented successfully, the policy could become a model for other governments looking to address the impact of social media on children’s health and education.
