Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ban on social media use for children under 16 on Friday, targeting the adverse effects of rising mobile phone dependency.
Presenting the 2026-27 state budget, he outlined major education boosts, including filling 15,000 vacant teacher posts next fiscal year and Rs 565 crore for new classrooms and repairs in government primary, high schools, and pre-university colleges. Additional funds cover Rs 75 crore for toilets, Rs 25 crore for furniture, and Rs 125 crore for maintenance.
To combat drug abuse in schools, colleges, and universities, the government will enforce awareness campaigns, strict discipline, and dedicated counseling centers. Under the slogan “Uttama Kalike, Ujjwala Bhavishya” (Better Learning, Brighter Future), 800 schools will upgrade to Karnataka Public Schools over three years at Rs 3,900 crore, delivering quality education under one roof.
Siddaramaiah also prioritized mental health with one counselor per 204 Block Resource Centres, Rs 24 crore for English training to enable bilingual primary classes, and free materials under Vidya Vikas Scheme—activity books for pre-primary, value education for Classes 1-10, and PU textbooks from 2026-27.
In partnership with IIT Dharwad, an AI-powered Personalized Self-Learning Digital Tutor will reach 12.28 lakh Class 8-12 students at Rs 5 crore. He stressed that these institutions shape students' health, character, and future.
Andhra Pradesh too mulling ban
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also indicating prohibition of social media for those under 13 within the next 90 days. Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister said they are actively debating whether to extend this ban to children between 13 and 16 years of age.
"Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media," said Naidu.
Naidu said his government will take a call on banning social media for teenagers between 13 and 16 years
(Inputs from IANS and PTI)