Andhra Pradesh Plans Law to Bar Under-13 Children from Social Media

AMARAVATI, March 6: N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that the Andhra Pradesh government will introduce a law within the next 90 days to restrict children below 13 years of age from using social media platforms.

The chief minister said the initiative aims to safeguard young users from the harmful effects of excessive online exposure, including mental health issues, sleep disturbances and digital safety risks.

The announcement came shortly after Siddaramaiah said his state was considering banning social media access for children under 16. If both proposals are implemented, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka could become the first states in India to impose such restrictions.

Naidu said the government is also evaluating whether additional regulations should apply to teenagers between 13 and 16 years of age. The proposal, he added, was suggested by his son Nara Lokesh, who has been advocating stronger safeguards for young internet users.

Lokesh noted that governments around the world are considering similar policies. Countries such as Australia have already introduced restrictions on social media use for minors, while several European nations and the United Kingdom are studying comparable measures.

According to officials, a group of ministers formed by the state government is examining existing regulations, international models and possible legal challenges before drafting the legislation. The panel is also exploring ways to hold social media platforms accountable for harmful content, misinformation and online abuse while protecting citizens’ rights.

If approved, the proposed law would mark the first attempt by an Indian state to formally regulate social media access for children.