The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to ban social media access for children below the age of 13. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the proposal on 06 March 2026 while addressing the state assembly. The state government aims to implement the restriction within the next 90 days, with the objective of protecting young users from the negative effects associated with excessive social media usage.
Andhra Pradesh Government Social Media Policy for Children
During his address in the assembly, the chief minister stated that the government is currently working on policies that would prevent children under 13 years from accessing social media platforms.
The initiative is intended to create a safer online environment for minors and reduce exposure to risks associated with digital platforms. The government believes that restricting early access to social media could help limit the impact of harmful online behaviour and content.
Officials have also indicated that discussions are ongoing to determine the most effective mechanisms for enforcing such a policy.
Reasons Behind the Proposed Social Media Ban
The proposed restriction has been introduced with the aim of addressing several concerns related to children’s online safety. Some of the key risks highlighted by the government include the following.
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
- Excessive screen time among young children
- Potential mental and emotional health impacts
The government intends to examine policy frameworks and technical solutions that can effectively regulate social media access for minors.
Possible Extension of Ban for Teenagers
In addition to the proposed restriction for children under 13, the state government is also evaluating whether the policy should be expanded. Authorities are currently discussing the possibility of extending the restriction to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. However, this proposal is still under consideration and no final decision has been announced. The government has stated that any such extension would require a detailed assessment of the policy’s feasibility and potential implications.
Implementation Plans and Policy Review
Officials have confirmed that the state administration will review existing regulatory frameworks and digital policies before introducing the restriction. The government is expected to explore a combination of technical safeguards and regulatory measures to ensure that the policy can be implemented effectively.
If enforced, the proposed ban would represent one of the strictest state-level measures in India aimed at regulating social media usage among children and teenagers, reflecting growing concerns about online safety and digital well-being.