Andhra Pradesh Considers Following Australia's Lead on Social Media Restrictions for Children
India's Andhra Pradesh state is examining Australia's groundbreaking legislation that bans social media access for children under 16, signaling a potential shift toward protecting young minds from digital harm.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government is studying the Australian model as concerns mount over children's exposure to inappropriate online content. "Youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms, as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to," a state official explained.
TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy emphasized the urgent need for action, citing instances of online bullying and harassment. He argued that children lack the emotional maturity to comprehend harmful content freely available online, making state intervention necessary to create safer digital environments.
Judicial Support for Stronger Regulation
The proposal has gained judicial backing. The Madras High Court recently suggested that India's central government explore Australia-style legislation, urging authorities to accelerate awareness campaigns while such laws are being developed.
The timing is critical as India grapples with its massive digital footprint. With over one billion mobile internet connections and a youth population comprising more than 25 percent of its 1.4 billion citizens, the stakes for proper digital governance are enormous.
Parental Concerns Over Outright Bans
However, some parents question whether complete prohibition is the answer. Hyderabad parent Anupa Shekhar advocates for moderation rather than blanket restrictions, arguing that "kids today have more rationale than we did."
She warns that excessive restrictions might drive children to find alternative ways to access social media without parental oversight, potentially creating greater risks.
Another parent, Supriya, echoed these concerns, suggesting that sudden freedom at 16 after years of prohibition could lead to poor decision-making when young people lack experience with responsible social media use.
Expert Caution on Rushed Legislation
Digital policy experts urge careful consideration before implementing sweeping bans. Dona Mathew from the Digital Futures Lab stressed that "bans must be carefully thought through and grounded in strong legal foundations."
Mathew highlighted that social media platforms serve as important information sources for young people, particularly on sensitive topics like mental health that may not be easily accessible through traditional channels in India.
She also noted potential legal conflicts with India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which restricts data processing for children, potentially complicating age verification mechanisms.
Australia's Pioneering Approach
Australia's world-first legislation, implemented last month, prohibits children under 16 from accessing major platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. The law places responsibility on platforms rather than parents, requiring companies to prevent underage access or face significant penalties.
As Andhra Pradesh weighs its options, the debate reflects broader questions about balancing child protection with digital freedom, parental responsibility, and the role of government in regulating online spaces.
The state's decision could influence national policy and set precedents for how developing nations approach the complex challenge of protecting children in the digital age while preserving family autonomy and individual responsibility.