Social media ban for kids under 13? Andhra plans

• AP CM Naidu announced a 90-day social media ban for under 13s.
• Karnataka proposed banning social media for under 16s in its budget.
• The move addresses growing concern over mobile addiction among children.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that social media will be prohibited for children below 13 years of age within the

next 90 days. Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister said they are actively debating whether to extend this ban to children between 13 and 16 years of age. “Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” said Naidu. The CM said his government will take a call on banning social media for teenagers between 13 and 16 years. This comes hours after Karnataka Government on Friday announced a proposal to ban social media use for children below the age of 16, becoming the first state in the country to move towards such a restriction, while presenting the state Budget for 2026–27. The move comes amid growing concern within the government about mobile and social media addiction among school-going children. Earlier this month, Karntaka launched the “Mobile Bidi, Pustaka Hidi” (Leave the phone, pick a book) campaign to tackle mobile phone addiction and encourage students to develop reading habits.