Karnataka Plans Law to Restrict Mobile, Social Media Use for Students Under 16

The Karnataka government has announced plans to introduce a new law and regulatory framework to restrict mobile phone and social media usage among students below the age of 16. The move aims to tackle rising concerns over digital addiction and its impact on young minds.

The announcement was made by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Monday, March 23, 2026, during the Question Hour in the Legislative Council.

Government Moves Towards Legal Restrictions

The state government plans to bring a formal law to enforce restrictions, as existing school-level bans have shown inconsistent results. Officials believe a structured legal framework is necessary to ensure proper implementation across schools.

This proposal follows Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s 2026–27 State Budget announcement on March 6, where he highlighted the need to control social media usage among children under 16.

Consultations Underway

Minister Bangarappa stated that the government is working closely with the IT Department, parents, and education experts to design a balanced and effective framework.

Along with restrictions, the government is also planning to reintroduce Moral Education as a compulsory subject in schools. Free textbooks will be provided to students to promote discipline and a balanced lifestyle.

Why the Government is Concerned

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the impact of excessive mobile and social media usage on children.

Key issues highlighted include:

• Increasing addiction among students
• Negative effects on mental and physical health
• Reduced focus on studies and physical activity
• Exposure to harmful content such as cyberbullying and inappropriate material

The government also pointed to global examples, noting that countries like Australia and parts of Europe have already taken similar steps.

Concerns Raised by Experts

Despite the government’s intent, several stakeholders have raised concerns about a complete ban.

Education experts and school associations argue that mobile phones are now part of digital learning, with many schools using apps for homework and communication.

Some experts have suggested alternatives instead of a blanket ban, such as:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for controlled usage
• Aadhaar-linked age verification for social media
• Special “student internet packs” that allow only educational content

What's Next?

The Karnataka government is expected to finalize the framework after consultations. The proposed law could become a significant step in regulating children’s digital exposure while balancing educational needs.