Karnataka has announced a major digital policy that could influence similar actions across India. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that the state government plans to ban the use of social media platforms for children under the age of 16, potentially making Karnataka the first Indian state to introduce such a restriction.

The announcement was made during the presentation of the Karnataka Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. The budget proposes a total expenditure of ₹4,48,004 crore, marking a 13.3% increase from the revised estimate of ₹3,95,307 crore in the previous financial year.

Reason Behind the Proposed Ban

The state government said the measure is intended to address growing concerns about the increasing use of smartphones and social media among school-age children. Officials believe that excessive screen time can negatively affect mental health, academic performance, and overall development.

While presenting the budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the policy is meant to protect children from the harmful effects of uncontrolled digital exposure.

In his budget speech, he said:
“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 is expected to introduce regulatory measures to ensure that social media platforms are not accessible to users below the specified age.

Key Highlights of the Karnataka Budget 2026–27

Along with the proposed social media restriction, the government unveiled a large financial plan focusing on development and welfare programmes.

The ₹4.48 lakh crore budget is among the largest in Karnataka’s history. The increased allocation reflects the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, education, and social welfare initiatives.

During budget discussions, policymakers also addressed concerns related to student well-being, digital habits, and substance abuse prevention.

Earlier Discussions on Mobile Use Among Students

The idea of limiting digital exposure among minors had been discussed within the government even before the budget announcement.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently held consultations with university vice chancellors to explore whether stricter controls should be introduced on mobile phone usage among children under 16.

Several senior ministers had also raised concerns about the growing influence of smartphones and social media on young people. Among them were Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who previously suggested stronger measures to address digital addiction among students.

Measures to Prevent Drug Use Among Students

In addition to regulating social media access, the Karnataka government announced steps to combat drug use among students.

The Education Department plans to introduce strict guidelines to prevent drug use within educational institutions. Authorities also intend to conduct awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to inform students about the dangers of substance abuse.

A Potential Precedent for India

Karnataka’s proposed ban on social media for children under 16 may trigger a broader national debate about digital regulation for minors. With smartphone usage rising rapidly among young people, other states could closely watch how the policy is implemented.

If the initiative proves effective, it could serve as a model for similar regulations across India aimed at protecting children’s health, education, and overall well-being.