Legislation within 90 days to restrict under-13s from using social media: Naidu

In a recent development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at restricting social media access for children under the age of 13. This announcement follows a similar initiative by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who proposed a ban on social media usage for individuals under 16 years in his state. Naidu emphasized the need for protecting children from potential online dangers, highlighting the growing concern regarding the impact of social media on young minds. The Andhra Pradesh government aims to draft and implement the new legislation within 90 days, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of minors in the digital landscape. This move reflects a broader trend among Indian states to regulate social media usage among younger audiences, driven by increasing awareness of issues such as cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and the mental health implications of excessive screen time. As these states take proactive measures, the conversation around responsible digital citizenship and the role of social media platforms in monitoring content shared by minors continues to evolve.