Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 29: In a move aimed at tackling rising concerns over social media addiction among children, the Goa government on Monday announced that it is formally examining the possibility of banning social media usage for those below 16 years of age.
State IT Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed that the Information Technology department is studying the legislative framework introduced in Australia, where nearly 4.7 million teen accounts were reportedly deactivated within the first month of enforcement, to assess whether a similar restriction can be implemented in Goa.
The proposal comes amid a surge in complaints from parents about the impact of excessive social media exposure on children’s mental health, academic focus and overall development.
According to officials, the state is currently seeking legal clarity on whether a state government can enforce such restrictions under India’s central Information Technology laws, with a formal statement expected ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.
Australia’s law under review
Goa’s deliberations follow Australia’s recent introduction of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which places the responsibility on social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to ensure minors do not hold accounts. The law shifts the burden of age verification from parents to technology companies.
The development has also sparked interest across India, with Andhra Pradesh reportedly setting up a Group of Ministers to explore similar age-based curbs, while the Madras High Court has urged the Centre to consider such measures.
Globally, countries including France, Malaysia and Indonesia are also closely monitoring the Australian rollout.
Parents raise alarm over addiction
Minister Khaunte said the growing distraction caused by social media platforms has become a major issue even within families.
“In the world of Artificial Intelligence, we need children to be more focused so they can grow into good citizens and take care of the future of the state,” he said, pointing to wider social and developmental implications.
Meanwhile, Meta — the parent company of Instagram and Facebook — has supported laws promoting parental oversight but cautioned that blanket bans could push teenagers towards unsafe and unregulated digital platforms.
Khaunte maintained that while the intent is to protect children, any decision must be legally sound and constitutionally enforceable under Indian law.