Karnataka plans stricter curbs on mobile use for under-16 students

BENGALURU: Karnataka primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa on Monday said the government is preparing a comprehensive framework to regulate mobile phone and social media usage among students below 16 years, citing growing concerns over its impact on children, news agency PTI reported.Bangarappa was responding to questions raised by MLCs Pratap Nayak and Javare Gowda, who called for urgent and strict measures, warning that mobile addiction among children has reached alarming levels.Replying during Question Hour in the Karnataka Legislative Council, the minister said that although restrictions already exist, enforcement has been weak. He added that the government is now working on stronger guidelines in consultation with multiple stakeholders.

“For the first time in India, our government has proposed in the Budget that mobile use should be banned for children below 16 years,” he said.Bangarappa noted that while laws banning mobile phones in schools are already in place, they are not being effectively implemented. He pointed out that students often use phones outside school, where there is no proper monitoring system.Explaining the reasoning behind the move, he said mobile phones, though useful for education, are increasingly exposing children to harmful content.

“If mobile helps learning, it is okay, but most of what is coming today is unnecessary. Children take whatever input is given,” he said.The minister added that the government is working closely with the IT Department, which has formed a committee to study social media practices. Detailed guidelines are currently being prepared.He also highlighted the reintroduction of moral education in schools.“Moral science books are being provided free of cost to all students from this year, and specific periods have been fixed to teach it,” Bangarappa said.At the same time, he stressed the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging that mobile phones cannot be completely removed in today’s digital age.“In today's AI and modern age, we cannot pull it out at once; we will bring a law on how to impose restrictions,” he said.The proposal, he added, will be placed before the House in the next session after wider consultations. Inputs will be sought from parents, experts and international child organisations before finalising the policy.“This concerns the future of our children. Misuse of social media is a big problem in our country,” he observed.The minister also acknowledged concerns raised by members regarding the growing dependence on mobile phones among students.“If it harms their future, we must take strict action,” Bangarppa said, while cautioning that a complete ban may not be effective as children may still access devices secretly.He said the government aims to create a model policy that could set a benchmark.“Since this is being done for the first time in India, I want it to become an example for others,” he added.(With agency inputs)