Australia-Like Move in India? Andhra Pradesh May Ban Social Media for Children Under 16 — Four Key Questions

After Australia became the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, a similar step may soon be considered in India. According to media reports, the Andhra Pradesh government is actively exploring a proposal to restrict social media access for children below 16 years, a move that could have far-reaching implications nationwide.

Andhra Pradesh Considers Social Media Ban for Minors

The proposal has reportedly emerged from discussions held during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where representatives of various governments, including India, are participating. Several Indian states are using the global forum to engage with international leaders and industry experts on policy and development issues.

Speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelines of the forum, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh indicated support for such a measure. He stated that young children often lack the ability to fully understand the content they encounter on social media platforms, making it essential to establish a strong legal framework to protect them.

Global Attention After Australia’s Decision

In December last year, Australia drew global attention by announcing a ban on social media platforms for users under 16. Under the new rule, children cannot create new accounts, and existing accounts must be deactivated. Popular platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube fall under the ban.

The decision sparked widespread debate. While many parents welcomed the move, citing concerns about mental health and online safety, children and teenagers largely opposed it. If a similar policy is implemented in India, its social and digital impact could be significant.

Andhra Pradesh Could Become the First Indian State

Local media reports suggest that the Andhra Pradesh government is seriously deliberating the proposal. If implemented, Andhra Pradesh would become India’s first state to impose such a restriction on social media use for minors, potentially setting a precedent for other states and even national-level regulation.

Four Key Questions That Need Answers

Before any such ban is enforced, several critical questions remain unanswered:

1. Will the ban apply to all social media platforms, or will certain apps be exempted?
2. What about educational content on platforms like YouTube—will children lose access to that as well?
3. Will the restriction only limit usage, or will minors be completely barred from creating social media accounts?
4. Will parents be consulted before implementing such a major policy decision?

What Lies Ahead

As governments worldwide grapple with the impact of social media on young minds, Andhra Pradesh’s deliberation reflects a growing global concern over child safety in the digital age. Whether the proposal turns into law or remains under discussion, it has already ignited an important conversation—one that could shape the future of children’s online access in India.