Karnataka Plans Social Media Ban for Children Below 16

The Karnataka government has proposed a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of its 2026–27 state budget. Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced the move while presenting his 17th budget in the state assembly, stating that the measure aims to reduce the harmful effects of excessive mobile phone use among minors. The proposal reflects growing concern among policymakers about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health, education, and overall development.

Budget Announcement and Policy Objective

During the budget presentation, Siddaramaiah stated that the government intends to prohibit social media access for children below 16 years to prevent negative behavioural and psychological effects associated with increased smartphone usage. The government believes the step will help protect young users from online risks and encourage healthier learning and social habits.

The proposal formed part of a wider state budget focused on technology-driven development, infrastructure expansion, and innovation-led growth. The Karnataka government estimated the total expenditure for the financial year 2026–27 at Rs 4,48,004 crore.

Technology and Innovation Initiatives

Alongside the social media regulation proposal, the budget announced several technology initiatives. A major highlight is the planned Bengaluru Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Innovation Zone, which will be developed under the Indian Institute of Science in collaboration with ISRO and the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation (KEONICS).

Additionally, two Centres of Excellence in artificial intelligence will be established in partnership with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, and NASSCOM.

Other Key Budget Measures

The state government also announced initiatives aimed at environmental management, wildlife protection, and urban resilience. A leopard rehabilitation facility will be set up at Bannerghatta Biological Park to house and treat animals captured from human settlements around Bengaluru.

To address urban flooding, disaster management projects will be implemented in Bengaluru under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme, supported by the World Bank. The five-year programme is expected to cost around Rs 5,000 crore.

Important Facts for Exams

• Karnataka proposed banning social media access for children under 16 years.
• The announcement was made during the 2026–27 Karnataka state budget.
• The total estimated expenditure for the state budget is Rs 4,48,004 crore.
• Bengaluru will host a Robotics and AI Innovation Zone under IISc with ISRO collaboration.

Revenue Concerns and Economic Outlook

The chief minister also highlighted concerns about declining GST revenue growth following the rationalisation of GST rates in September 2025. Karnataka’s average monthly GST growth reportedly dropped from about 10 percent earlier in the year to around 4 percent after the changes. The revised structure is expected to reduce the state’s GST collections by nearly Rs 10,000 crore in the current financial year and around Rs 15,000 crore in the next year.