Debate on Social Media Ban for Children: Regulatory Framework and Child Protection

Hindustan Times - India · 11 Mar 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora urged a ban on social media for children in Parliament, citing global trends, but the Centre indicated no plans for new legislation, preferring amendments to existing IT rules.

Key points

Milind Deora, Shiv Sena MP, advocated in Rajya Sabha for banning social media for children, emphasizing digital literacy and parental monitoring to mitigate harmful effects.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT clarified no plans for a blanket ban, considering global practices but ruling out new legislation, opting for amendments to existing intermediary rules.

Current regulation under IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 mandates content moderation and compliance, with potential tweaks for age restrictions.

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act requires parental consent for processing data of users under 18, indirectly limiting minors' social media access.

[GS2-Governance] Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa are exploring state-level bans for children under 16 or 13, highlighting federalism challenges in uniform policy implementation.

[GS3-Science and Technology] The debate reflects growing concerns over children's mental health and digital addiction, necessitating balanced regulatory and educational interventions.

Internationally, France, Australia, and others are implementing or considering similar bans, with France proposing restrictions for under-15s, influencing global policy trends.

Private Member’s Bill by TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu seeks age restrictions and online safety measures, indicating legislative interest in child digital protection.

Way Forward: Strengthen digital literacy programs in schools, enforce stricter age verification mechanisms by platforms, and promote parental awareness campaigns for balanced digital exposure.

Key terms

IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

Rules under the IT Act regulating social media intermediaries, requiring due diligence, content moderation, and compliance with government directives. Significant for UPSC as they govern digital governance and intermediary accountability.

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act

India's data privacy law mandating consent for data processing, with special provisions for children's data. Relevant for GS2 governance and GS3 technology policy questions on privacy and regulation.

Private Member’s Bill

A bill introduced by an MP who is not a minister, reflecting individual legislative initiative. Important for polity questions on parliamentary procedures and law-making processes.

Rajya Sabha

The Upper House of India's Parliament, representing states and Union territories. Crucial for UPSC polity questions on federal structure, legislative processes, and bicameralism.