Bengaluru, March 23 Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said on Monday that the government will introduce a comprehensive framework to regulate the use of mobile phones and social media among students under 16 years of age, acknowledging growing concerns about its impact on children.
He was responding to a question raised by MLCs Pratap Nayak and Javare Gowda, who urged the government to take urgent and stringent measures, warning that mobile addiction among children has reached alarming levels.
Responding during Question Hour in the Karnataka Legislative Council, the minister said that while restrictions already exist, enforcement has been weak, and the government is now working on stronger guidelines in consultation with multiple stakeholders.
"For the first time in India, our government has proposed in the Budget that mobile use should be banned for children under 16 years," he said.
He added that although laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools are in place, they are not being practiced. Some students use them outside, and there is no proper system, he added. Explaining the rationale, Bangarappa said that while mobile phones are useful for learning, they have increasingly become a source of harmful content.
"If mobile helps learning, it's okay, but most of what is coming today is unnecessary. Children take whatever input is given," he noted.
The Minister said that the government is coordinating with the IT Department, which has formed a committee to examine social media practices, and that detailed guidelines are being prepared. He also emphasized the reintroduction of moral education in schools.
"Moral science books are being provided free of cost to all students from this year, and specific periods have been fixed to teach it," Bangarappa said.
Emphasizing the need for a balanced approach, the Minister said that mobile phones cannot be completely eliminated in the present era.
"In today's AI and modern age, we cannot simply ban it; we will bring a law on how to impose restrictions," he said, adding that the proposal would be placed before the House in the next session after wider consultations.
The minister said that inputs would be sought from parents, experts, and international child organizations before finalising the policy.
"This concerns the future of our children. Misuse of social media is a big problem in our country," he observed.
The minister also acknowledged concerns raised by members that excessive dependence on mobile phones is severely affecting students. "If it harms their future, we must take strict action," Bangarappa said, while cautioning that mere prohibition may not be effective, as children may continue to access devices secretly.
The minister said the government aims to evolve a model policy.
"Since this is being done for the first time in India, I want it to become an example for others," he added.
