Andhra govt considers ban on social media for children under 16: Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh revealed that the government is planning to ban social media under 16 years of age following Australia.  

Lokesh speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, said that youngsters below a certain age do not fully understand the content they are exposed to on social media, and a strong legal framework was the need of the hour.

“Youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms, as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to. Thus, a strong legal framework may be required,” Lokesh asserted.

On December 10, 2025, the Australian government banned children under 16 years of age from using major social media platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.    

Local media in Andhra Pradesh reported that the government was seriously considering such a move. If implemented, Andhra would be the first state in India to bring in restrictions on social media usage for children.

TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy said, “Children below a certain age are not emotionally mature enough to comprehend the negative and harmful content that is freely available online. That is why the Andhra government is studying global best practices and examining Australia’s under-16 social media law.”

However, he later clarified that it should not be seen as government oversight and was aimed at protecting children from toxic content and online negativity.

It was reported that last year, the Madras High Court also suggested to the Centre to explore the possibility of passing a law like Australia.  

The lawmakers of the UK on Wednesday voted in favour of banning under-16s from social media, facing a similar ban in Australia. 

Australia said such a move was needed to reduce the negative impact of social media on children.