India, March 6 -- Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday underlined the adverse impact of increasing mobile usage and announced that social media access for under-16s will be banned in Karnataka, as he presented a Rs.4.48 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, announcing reforms combining technology-driven learning initiatives with regulatory measures aimed at protecting children online.

When implemented, Karnataka will be the first state in the country to restrict social media usage for children as governments globally seek to limit its impact on mental health, sleep, and safety. In December, Australia banned social media for under-16s. Some European countries have adopted or are considering similar restrictions. Britain this ...