Centre Weighs Graded Curbs on Children's Social Media Use, Rules Out Blanket Ban

• The Centre is considering a graded regulatory framework for children's social media use, not a blanket ban, with different restrictions for age groups below 18.
• A separate law is being drafted, potentially for the monsoon session, proposing age brackets (8-12, 12-16, 16-18 years) with varying restrictions.
• Measures include time-based usage limits, mandatory parental consent, and platform-level safeguards to enforce age-based rules.
• State governments like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are also exploring social media bans or restrictions for minors.
• Tech companies and digital rights advocates express concerns over compliance challenges, potential counterproductivity, and deepening the digital gender divide.