Under-16 Students May Face Mobile Ban in Karnataka; CM Siddaramaiah Seeks Opinion of VCs
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is considering imposing restrictions on mobile phone usage for students under the age of 16 in schools and colleges, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah indicated during a university progress review meeting.
The Chief Minister sought the views of university Vice-Chancellors on the proposal, and sources said the academic heads broadly expressed support for regulating mobile usage among younger students.
Raising concerns over increasing social media addiction and the growing threat of drug abuse among youth, the Chief Minister stressed the need to create drug-free campuses and curb the influence of drug networks within educational institutions.
He pointed out that several countries, including Australia and parts of Europe, have already introduced similar restrictions to protect students from excessive screen exposure and online risks.
“Students below 16 years are increasingly getting trapped in social media, affecting their academic focus and overall well-being,” he observed, while underlining the need for corrective measures.
Parents have largely welcomed the proposed move. Many said children often misuse mobile phones both at home and in schools, impacting concentration and learning habits. They believe that a structured restriction within campuses would help control digital addiction and improve academic discipline.
If implemented, the proposal could mark a significant policy shift in regulating digital access for minors in Karnataka’s educational institutions. Further consultations are expected before a formal decision is announced.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: Under-16 ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೊಬೈಲ್ ಬ್ಯಾನ್? ಸಿಎಂ ಸುಳಿವು, ವಿಸಿಗಳ ಬೆಂಬಲ
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