The state government is examining the feasibility of restricting social media access for children below 16, drawing lessons from Australia’s recent legislation as policymakers weigh legal challenges, mental health concerns, and the future of youth digital safety.
The Goa government is considering introducing restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16, as concerns grow over the impact of excessive digital exposure on young users. The proposal comes amid a global debate on safeguarding children’s mental health in an increasingly online world.
Goa’s Minister for Information Technology, Rohan Khaunte, has indicated that the state is closely studying international developments, particularly Australia’s recent move to regulate social media access for minors. According to the minister, the objective is to understand whether similar measures can be adapted to the Indian context without conflicting with existing laws.
Studying the Australian model
Australia’s legislation places responsibility on social media platforms to prevent minors from creating accounts, mandating that companies take “reasonable steps” to restrict access. Non-compliance could attract substantial financial penalties, making platforms directly accountable for enforcement.
Inspired by this approach, Goa is evaluating whether a comparable framework could be implemented at the state level. Popular platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X are expected to fall within the scope of any proposed regulation. However, officials have acknowledged that translating such a policy into action would require careful legal scrutiny, particularly since digital governance in India largely falls under central legislation.
Legal hurdles and wider debate
One of the key challenges lies in determining whether a state government has the authority to impose age-based restrictions on social media usage under India’s Information Technology laws. Goa is currently seeking legal clarity on whether a state-led initiative would withstand regulatory and constitutional scrutiny.
The discussion in Goa mirrors a broader national and international conversation. Other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, are also exploring policy options to address issues such as online addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content among minors.
Globally, opinions remain divided. Supporters argue that age restrictions could help protect children’s mental well-being and reduce digital dependency. Critics, however, question enforceability, warning that tech-savvy users may find ways to bypass controls, potentially limiting the policy’s effectiveness.
Khaunte has stated that the proposal will be discussed with the Chief Minister before any final decision is taken, emphasising that the long-term interests of the younger generation remain the government’s primary concern. Meanwhile, several countries, including France, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are closely monitoring Australia’s experience as they consider similar regulatory steps.
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