Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself to be the first state in India to implement a social media age limit, drawing direct inspiration from legislation recently enacted in Australia. This initiative, championed by Nara Lokesh, is designed to protect children and teenagers from various online harms, including digital addiction, the spread of misinformation, and the psychological impact of algorithm-driven platforms. Officials in the state view this as a vital step toward making social media usage safer and more responsible for the younger generation.

Following this announcement, the government of Goa has also begun studying the possibility of implementing a similar ban for children under the age of 16. Goa Tourism and Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed that the move is under serious consideration following numerous complaints from parents. Many families have expressed concern that social media has become a significant distraction, negatively affecting children’s education and even intruding into personal family time during meals or shared activities.

The Goa government is specifically examining the Australian Online Safety Amendment Act as a potential framework. Under this model, social media platforms are required to take reasonable steps to identify and remove accounts held by users under the age limit. They must also implement processes to prevent minors from opening new accounts or using workarounds to bypass these restrictions. The underlying goal in Goa is to refocus children’s attention on education and beneficial technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, which are seen as essential for the future of the state and the country.

In Andhra Pradesh, a Group of Ministers headed by Nara Lokesh has been established to study the feasibility of the proposal. This move reflects a broader unease among parents and educators regarding the cognitive maturity of young users and their ability to critically interpret online content. There is growing concern that platforms optimized for engagement often amplify sensationalism and unrealistic imagery, which can distort a young person’s self-perception and behavior.

However, translating these concerns into enforceable law presents significant challenges. Experts point out that the internet does not have clearly defined entry points, and age verification remains a complex issue in a country where digital access is widespread but unevenly regulated. Furthermore, because social media companies are generally governed by national frameworks and digital infrastructure transcends state boundaries, a single state government may face difficulties regarding legal jurisdiction and operational feasibility.

There is also the risk that a sudden prohibition could drive children’s digital activity into less visible, unmonitored spaces, moving it beyond parental or institutional oversight. Critics suggest that instead of a blanket ban, a more effective approach might involve layered regulation. This could include mandatory child-safe default settings, limits on algorithmic amplification for minors, and stricter controls on targeted advertising.

Ultimately, many believe that education must form the backbone of any long-term solution. Integrating digital literacy into school curricula would help children understand how online incentives work and how to recognize misinformation. By empowering young users with these skills, states could build a level of resilience that legal prohibitions alone may not achieve. For technology-driven states like Andhra Pradesh and Goa, the current debate highlights the need to balance technological innovation with the responsibility of safeguarding the next generation.

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