Goa Planning To Ban Social Media For Children Under 16?: Minister Says Study Under Review

Panaji: Goa Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday said that the government is examining the possibility of restricting the use of social media for children below 16 years in the coastal state.

The reason for restrictions is rising concerns over digital addiction, cyberbullying and online safety risks.

What did Khaunte say about the issue?

The restriction is similar to measures implemented in Australia, as concerns grow over mental health risks in a nation with more than a billion internet users.

Rohan Khaunte said that the state plans to constitute a task force comprising representatives from academia, parent-teacher associations, industry and government to study the issue and recommend a policy framework.

The decision would follow Australia's world-first law that bans social media for children under 16, which came into effect last year. 

Referring to the Australia's move, the Goa minister said that the issue requires serious deliberation in India and must be approached in a structured and consultative manner.

VIDEO | Panaji: Goa IT Minister Rohan Khaunte (@RohanKhaunte) announced that a task force will examine the possibility of banning social media use for children under 16, aiming to safeguard young users from cyber risks and online harm.

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Why is the ban important?

Rohan Khaunte said that sixteen is a "very tender age".

The minister said that at this age, children should focus on learning and overall development, but increasing instances of digital addiction, exposure to age-inappropriate content, anxiety, depression and misuse of personal data have raised red flags.

"The state plans to constitute a task force comprising representatives from academia, parent-teacher associations, industry and government to study the issue and recommend a policy framework. Any decision would have to be aligned with central laws, including provisions under the Information Technology Act," he said.

"Our objective is not to rush into a decision but to examine how we can protect children below 16 from the risks of social media while promoting constructive and educational use of digital tools," Khaunte concluded.