NEW DELHI : The southern Indian state of Karnataka is considering to ban the use of social media by children under the age of 16, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday while presenting the state budget.

The move, if implemented, makes Karnataka, home to India’s technology hub Bengaluru, the first state in the country to introduce such a restriction amid growing concerns about children’s exposure to social media and excessive screen time.

The decision comes as governments worldwide intensify scrutiny of minors’ digital activity, citing rising worries about social media addiction, online safety and unrestricted internet access among young users.

Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children in December, while countries including Britain, Denmark and Greece are also examining similar measures to regulate children’s online engagement.

In India, one of the world’s largest social media markets, policymakers have increasingly raised concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young users. Karnataka’s decision is expected to add momentum to the national debate on regulating children’s access to social media and strengthening online safeguards for minors.

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