N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the state government plans to prohibit the use of social media for children below 13 years of age within the next 90 days.
Addressing the state assembly, the chief minister said the government is also considering whether the restriction should be extended to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” Naidu said.
He added that the government will make a decision later on whether to impose similar restrictions on those aged between 13 and 16.
During his address, Naidu also referred to the controversy surrounding alleged adulteration in the preparation of the Tirupati Laddu at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
“Venkateswara Swamy laddu was desecrated. This is not an ordinary crime. It was a deliberate conspiracy,” he said.
At a National Democratic Alliance legislative party meeting in 2024, Naidu had alleged that the previous government led by the YSR Congress Party used substandard ingredients and animal fats in the preparation of the laddus offered at the temple.
He criticised Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, saying the opposition leader had shown no remorse over the controversy.
Naidu also said that respecting the customs and traditions of religious institutions is essential for a healthy democracy.
Despite the controversy, he said religious tourism in the state has grown significantly, adding that temples across Andhra Pradesh have recorded an increase in footfall of up to 70 percent.