Goa Considers Social Media Ban for Children

India’s premier tourist state, Goa, is exploring measures to restrict social media use among children, following the model adopted by Australia. With more than one billion internet users nationwide, concerns over the mental health impacts of social media on minors have intensified, prompting local authorities to consider regulatory interventions.

Tech giants such as Meta, Google’s YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) count India among their largest markets. Although a significant proportion of users are under 18, India currently has no nationwide restrictions on social media for minors. The central government has also not signalled any immediate plans to impose such measures.

Goa’s Minister for Information Technology, Rohan Khaunte, stated that the state is closely studying how Australia implemented its laws controlling social media access for minors. Speaking to journalists this week, he said:
"If feasible, we will aim to introduce similar restrictions for children under the age of 16. Further details will be announced in due course."

Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, a southern state with a population exceeding 50 million, is reportedly considering similar regulations. Media reports indicate that the state has recently formed a panel of senior ministers tasked with reviewing global regulatory practices and providing recommendations within a month.

Although Goa is India’s smallest state by area, with a population of just over 1.5 million, it is a significant hub for tourism and digital services. Policymakers emphasise that safeguarding children’s online experience is crucial for both their mental wellbeing and broader societal health.

Last year, Australia became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16. Within the first month of enforcement, approximately 4.7 million adolescent accounts were deactivated, highlighting the scale of the intervention. Several other countries, including France, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are closely monitoring Australia’s approach, considering similar legislation to protect minors online.

The following table summarises key figures and initiatives:

Experts note that while social media can enhance learning and creativity, unrestricted use among children may contribute to sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. By considering these regulatory measures, Goa and potentially Andhra Pradesh aim to create safer digital environments for minors.

If implemented, these initiatives could set a precedent for child online safety at the state level in India, potentially influencing national policy and inspiring other regions to adopt similar safeguards.