Karnataka, AP Ban Social Media for Under 16s: Is it Protection or a New Challenge?

• Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh banned social media access for children under 16, aiming to protect them from cyber threats and harmful content.
• Proponents argue the ban shields minors from cyberbullying, predators, explicit content, and mental health issues linked to excessive use.
• Critics fear the ban is ineffective, as tech-savvy teens may bypass restrictions, and it isolates children from crucial communication and learning tools.
• Experts advocate for education over prohibition, emphasizing responsible social media use, privacy, and managing screen time.
• Teenagers like Aarika Arora (Delhi) and Kiara Ramani (Bengaluru) express concerns, highlighting social media's role in communication, learning, and information gathering.