Amaravati, March 6, 2026 : The Andhra Pradesh government is set to prohibit the use of social media by children below the age of 13, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Friday while addressing the State Assembly.
Naidu said the government intends to implement the restriction within the next 90 days as part of measures aimed at protecting children from the potential risks associated with early exposure to social media platforms.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” the Chief Minister stated during the Assembly session.
The announcement follows a similar move earlier proposed by the government in Karnataka, indicating a growing concern among state administrations over the impact of social media on young users.
Naidu also revealed that the government is currently debating whether the restriction should be extended to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. Officials are examining the implications and possible regulatory framework before taking a final decision on the matter.
If implemented, the measure would make Andhra Pradesh one of the first states in India to introduce a formal restriction on social media usage for young children, reflecting increasing policy attention on digital safety, online addiction, and mental well-being among minors.
