Karnataka’s School Education and Literacy Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, revealed on Thursday that the state government is contemplating the regulation or prohibition of social media for children under 16. The final decision will be made following consultations with students, parents, and experts. This initiative aims to safeguard the well-being and development of children.
Expressing worry about the escalating reliance of children on mobile phones, the minister highlighted the shared responsibility of parents in addressing this issue. Many parents, he noted, provide mobile phones to keep children quiet, leading to excessive exposure to social media and digital distractions.
In response to these concerns, the government is planning an awareness campaign titled ‘Put away mobile phones, pick up books’, as directed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Chief Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of tackling this issue and promoting healthier habits among students.
Bangarappa stressed that any decision regarding this matter will be made only after thorough consultations with various stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and subject experts. The primary goal is to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of children. He mentioned that the proposal is currently under discussion, and the government will soon make a suitable decision under the Chief Minister’s guidance.
