Goa is examining the possibility of introducing an Australia-like ban on social media use for children below the age of 16, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of digital platforms on minors’ mental health. The move comes amid wider debates in India, one of the world’s largest internet markets, over the absence of nationwide regulations governing children’s access to social media.
Reference to Australia’s Landmark Law
According to “Rohan Khaunte”, Goa’s Minister for Information Technology, the state government is studying the Australian legal framework to understand how minors’ access to social media platforms can be regulated. Australia became the first country to impose a blanket ban on social media for users under 16, a step that resulted in the deactivation of nearly 4.7 million teen accounts within the first month of enforcement.
India’s Regulatory Gap on Social Media Use
India is among the largest global markets for technology companies such as “Meta”, “Google”’s YouTube, and “X”. Despite a large proportion of users being under 18, India currently lacks national-level restrictions or formal guidelines specifically aimed at limiting children’s access to social media. There has also been no indication so far of an imminent federal policy on this issue.
Interest from Other Indian States
Goa is not alone in exploring such measures. “Andhra Pradesh”, with a population exceeding 53 million, has announced that it is considering similar regulations. The state has reportedly constituted a panel of senior ministers tasked with studying international models and submitting recommendations within a month. In contrast, Goa, India’s smallest state by area, has a population of around 1.5 million, making it a potential testing ground for such regulatory initiatives.
Important Facts for Exams
- Australia was the first country to ban social media access for children under 16.
- India currently has no national law restricting minors’ use of social media.
- Goa is India’s smallest state by geographical area.
- Andhra Pradesh has formed a ministerial panel to study global social media regulations.
Global Momentum for Child Online Safety
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Beyond Australia, several countries are closely monitoring the implementation of such restrictions. France, Indonesia, and Malaysia have expressed interest in adopting similar laws to safeguard children online. The growing international momentum suggests that child-centric digital regulation may become a key policy focus, influencing future debates and legislative action within India as well.