After Andhra Pradesh, Goa Considers Australia-Style Social Media Ban For Children Below 16

Goa has begun examining the possibility of introducing an Australia-style ban on social media use for children below the age of 16, amid growing concerns over the impact of excessive online exposure on young minds.

The move comes as India continues to witness a surge in internet usage, including among minors, without any nationwide restrictions governing social media access for children.

Goa Studying Australia's Law on Under-16 Social Media Use

Goa's Infotech Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed that the state government is closely studying Australia's recently enacted legislation that restricts social media access for minors. He said officials are assessing whether a similar framework could be adapted at the state level.

"If possible, (we will) implement a similar ban on children below 16 for usage of social media," Khaunte told reporters. "Details will follow."

Elaborating on the process, the minister said, "Australia has brought in a law ensuring a ban on social media for children below the age of 16. It is something they have already done. Our [IT] department, our people have already pulled out those particular papers. We are studying them. We will talk to the chief minister, and if possible, implement a similar ban on children below 16 for the usage of social media. The details will follow."

He added that discussions will be held with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant before any final decision is taken.

Focus on Child Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Khaunte stressed that the proposal is rooted in broader concerns about children's development in a rapidly evolving digital environment. He highlighted the need for young people to remain focused and prepared for future challenges.

"In the world of Artificial Intelligence, we need children to be more focused so they can grow into good citizens and take care of the future of the state and the country," the minister stated.

He also pointed to increasing complaints from parents, noting that children are spending excessive time on mobile phones and social media platforms, often even during family interactions.

"The personal space occupied by social media has become very large and is creating complexities for children. We are studying whether a state-wide ban is legally and practically possible," he said.

According to a statement from the Goa Tourism Department and the IT Ministry, the initiative was prompted by a steady rise in parental complaints over the years.

Andhra Pradesh Also Exploring Similar Restrictions

Goa is not alone in exploring such measures. Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh recently said the state government is considering a similar ban on social media usage for children below 16. He confirmed that a group of ministers has been formed to study the feasibility and implications of implementing such a proposal.

Australia's Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires platforms to take "reasonable" steps to identify and deactivate accounts operated by users under 16 and prevent new account creation by minors.

What Australia's Law Covers and Exempts

Since the law came into force, millions of accounts have reportedly been removed across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.

However, messaging applications, gaming platforms, and educational tools have been kept outside the scope of the legislation, focusing the restrictions strictly on social media services.

As Indian states like Goa and Andhra Pradesh explore similar frameworks, the debate around children's online safety, parental concerns, and digital regulation is expected to intensify further.