No social media for kids under 13 in Andhra Pradesh
Big changes are coming for young social media users in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Andhra Pradesh will soon ban children under 13 from using social platforms, with possible plans to extend this up to age 16.
Karnataka is also stepping in, blocking access for anyone under 16.
Karnataka's chief minister said the ban aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage among children; Andhra Pradesh's chief minister announced the ban but did not give an explicit rationale.
Karnataka's budget also focuses on improving schools
Alongside these restrictions, Karnataka's latest budget puts a spotlight on schools, committing to fill 15,000 vacant teaching posts in schools and colleges during the next fiscal year and major upgrades like better classrooms, more toilets, and improved furniture.
The message: safer online spaces and better learning environments are both top priorities in the 2026-27 fiscal year.