Regulation of Social Media Usage

Recent Measures

Karnataka Government
Announced a plan to restrict social media usage for those under 16 years

Andhra Pradesh
Restriction for those under 13 years
Preparation of a 90-day action plan

Why is this restriction needed?

Children are becoming addicted to mobile/internet from an early age.
This leads to lack of concentration and behavioral changes.

24-hour entertainment has become a way of life.

Parents increasingly use mobile phones to keep children calm.

Major Problems

Digital Addiction
Lack of focus in education
Sleep disorders
Reduced social interaction

Practical Challenges

Age verification is difficult (fake information possible even with Aadhaar or certificates)

Children using parents’ accounts

Due to AI growth, bypassing restrictions is easy

Global internet makes it difficult for a single state to enforce restrictions

International Initiatives

Australia
France
Germany
Denmark

These countries are also attempting similar restrictions

Solutions

Parents should first practice self-discipline

Technological control
Age verification (KYC)

Social regulation
Use of social media only during specific time

Global cooperation is essential

Key Idea

This is a global challenge
Like climate change, it requires a global solution

Exam Important Points

Karnataka – Restriction for under 16 years
Andhra Pradesh – Restriction for under 13 years + 90-day plan
Main issue – Digital addiction
Solution – Parents + Government + Global cooperation

Summary

Restricting social media usage for children is necessary.
Its success depends on parental support, technological control, and global policies.