Karnataka to ban social media for children under 16: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka to ban social media use for children under the age of 16. While presenting his Budget in the State Assembly in Bengaluru, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that to prevent adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 18. Siddaramaiah had discussed this issue in the meeting of Vice-Chancellors (VC) conclave held in Bengaluru last month and sought opinions of VCs. During the discussion, the CM had raised concerns about addiction to mobile, online gaming, impact of social on academics and physical fitness of children. The Karnataka government has recently launched a campaign "Mobile Bidi Pustaka Hidi" to encourage children to read books and visit libraries.

Karnataka Government BANS SOCIAL MEDIA for children below the age of 16 years

CM Siddaramaiah made this announcement in his Budget Speech@CMofKarnataka @siddaramaiah #KarnatakaBudget2026 pic.twitter.com/sWxi2a2EPK

— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) March 6, 2026

During his Budget speech, the  Chief Minister also announced that an AI and Technology Park will be set up under the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The institute will establish a Robotics and AI campus named the “Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone” in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS). The he Karnataka Budget 2026-27 introduces key initiatives to uplift farmers.

The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 introduces key initiatives to uplift farmers: ‘Krishi Vistara’ with ₹100 crore to enhance post-harvest income, ‘Sasya Sanjeevini’ offering timely crop management support, and ‘Vasudhamruta’ promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.… pic.twitter.com/wFjs7QqukX

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 6, 2026

The Karnataka State Budget for 2026–27 has been pegged at Rs 4,48,004 crore, with a focus on technology-driven growth, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. Presenting the Budget, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka plays a distinctive role in national and international trade and that rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming global production systems. He said innovations in science and technology are increasingly shaping the state’s development trajectory. Referring to the GST rate rationalisation carried out in September 2025, the Chief Minister said the changes have affected the state’s revenue collections.

(State Correspondent)