Goa, India’s top tourist state, is weighing a ban on social media use for children under 16, inspired by Australia’s recent legislation. The move comes amid rising parental concerns over mental health, distraction, and academic performance. Authorities are studying global models before deciding on implementation.
The Government of Goa is exploring the possibility of restricting social media access for children below 16 years of age, citing growing concerns about its impact on mental health, focus, and family life. The proposal, announced by Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, follows Australia’s precedent, where millions of teen accounts were deactivated under new laws.
Key Highlights:
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Proposal Scope: Ban on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok for children under 16.
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Global Inspiration: Australia’s law is being studied as a reference model.
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Parental Concerns: Complaints about social media distractions affecting students’ learning and behavior prompted the move.
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Policy Context: India, despite having over 880 million internet users, lacks national-level restrictions on minors’ social media use.
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Next Steps: Goa’s IT department will consult the Chief Minister before finalizing the proposal.
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Broader Trend: Other states, including Andhra Pradesh, are also considering similar regulations.
If implemented, Goa’s decision could set a precedent for India, sparking a nationwide debate on balancing digital freedom with child safety.
Sources: Reuters, The Indian Express, Business Standard, Economic Times, Moneycontrol, Zee News