India, March 6 -- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday proposed a ban on social media use for children below the age of 16 as part of the state's Budget for 2026-27, presenting the measure in the Assembly at Vidhana Soudha.

The proposal forms part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the growing impact of excessive smartphone use among young students and promoting healthier academic and social environments. Announcing the measure during his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the restriction is intended to protect children from the harmful effects associated with increased mobile phone and social media usage.

"To prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage on children, the use of social media will be banned...