Andhra Pradesh to Ban Social Media for Children Under 13 Within 90 Days

Amaravati: In a significant step toward improving digital safety, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state government plans to ban social media use for children below the age of 13.

The announcement was made on March 6, 2026, during a session of the State Assembly. The government aims to implement the restriction within the next 90 days.

With this move, Andhra Pradesh joins neighboring Karnataka, which has also proposed restrictions on social media access for minors under 16. The step reflects growing concern among governments about the impact of social media on children.

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Key Highlights of the Proposal

Target Age Group: A confirmed ban on social media use for children below 13 years.

Ongoing Debate: The government is considering whether the restriction should also apply to teenagers aged 13 to 16.

Implementation Timeline: The legal and technical framework for the ban is expected to be ready within 90 days.

Origin of the Proposal: The idea was put forward by IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, who raised concerns about social media’s effects on children.

Reasons Behind the Move

The Andhra Pradesh government said the decision is aimed at protecting children from the negative effects of excessive online activity. Key concerns include:

Digital Addiction: Heavy social media use affecting study time and daily routines.

Online Safety Risks: Exposure to cyberbullying, misinformation, and online abuse.

Mental Health Impact: Possible psychological effects caused by constant exposure to social media algorithms.

Implementation and Challenges

While many parents have welcomed the proposal, experts say implementing the policy could be complex.

A Group of Ministers (GoM) has been tasked with studying international practices and legal frameworks to ensure the policy aligns with constitutional provisions related to digital rights.

The GoM has also invited representatives from major technology companies such as Meta, X, Google, and ShareChat to discuss possible age-verification mechanisms.

Another challenge relates to jurisdiction. Internet regulation in India generally falls under the Central Government through the IT Act, meaning the state government may need to coordinate with the Union government to ensure the policy fits within national laws.

Government’s Position

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the government’s objective is to make social media a safer space for women and children.

More details on how the ban will be implemented are expected as the 90-day deadline approaches.