Karnataka Budget 2026-27 Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16; Anti-Drug Measures in Campuses
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting the State Budget 2026-27, announced a proposal to restrict the use of social media for children below the age of 16 years, citing concerns about the negative impact of excessive mobile and social media usage on young minds.
The proposal is aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of uncontrolled digital exposure. However, the government has not yet provided detailed guidelines on how the restriction will be implemented in practice. Further clarity on the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms is expected in the coming days.
Alongside digital safety measures, the government also announced steps to address drug abuse among students, particularly within educational institutions.
Recognising that schools, colleges and universities play a crucial role in shaping the health, character and future of students, the government said it will implement strong measures to curb the growing menace of drugs on campuses.
The initiatives include awareness campaigns, educational programs, strict disciplinary mechanisms, and the establishment of dedicated counselling and support centres for students affected by substance abuse.
The announcements signal a broader policy focus on student well-being, digital responsibility and campus safety, with the government expected to release more detailed action plans as part of the implementation strategy in the coming months.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: 16 ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಸೋಶಿಯಲ್ ಮೀಡಿಯಾ ಬ್ಯಾನ್? ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಬಜೆಟ್ ಘೋಷಣೆ ಚರ್ಚೆಗೆ ಕಾರಣ
About the Author
