No Social Media for Kids Under 16: Karnataka Plans Social Media Curbs for Young Users

The Government of Karnataka has introduced a new rule for children’s use of social media. In the state budget for 2026-27, the government said that children under the age of 16 will not be allowed to use social media.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared this plan during his budget speech. The government said the decision was made because many children are spending too much time on mobile phones and social media.

According to the budget document, the rule is meant to protect children from the harmful effects of excessive mobile and social media use. The government believes limiting access will help reduce problems related to screen time and online exposure among young users.

In India, there is already an existing law to protect children’s personal data online. This law is known as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).

According to this act, companies or platforms that collect data, called ‘data fiduciaries’, should take permission from a parent or legal guardian before they collect or use the personal data of a child.

Apart from this, online platforms must use technical systems to make sure that parental consent is properly obtained before a child’s data is processed.

They must also verify that the person giving permission is really an adult. This can be done by using trusted identity or age proof, like documents from government-approved ID systems or services such as Digital Locker.

Because of this law, online platforms already need to verify age and get parental consent before allowing minors to create accounts.

However, the government of Karnataka is now imposing stricter rules as it is planning to ban social media use for children under 16 years old.

The Budget speech also discussed the role of educational institutions in students’ well-being. It said that schools, colleges, and universities are very important in shaping students’ health, behaviour, and future.

The government also wants to reduce drug abuse on campuses. It plans to introduce measures such as awareness programmes, educational campaigns, strict discipline, and special counselling and support centres for students.

The speech stated, “To curb the menace of drug abuse within these campuses, the government will take firm measures, including awareness and educational campaigns, strict discipline and the setting up of dedicated support and counselling centres.”

Right now, the Budget speech only shows the government’s plan or intention. The state government will later create detailed rules explaining how the policy will actually work, including how age verification will be done and how social media platforms must follow the rules.

Karnataka Government BANS SOCIAL MEDIA for children below the age of 16 years

CM Siddaramaiah made this announcement in his Budget Speech@CMofKarnataka @siddaramaiah #KarnatakaBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/sWxi2a2EPK

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) March 6, 2026