TDP seeks national policy on regulating social media use among children

Vijayawada: TDP on Tuesday sought a national policy on regulating social media use among children. The party's floor leader in the Lok Sabha, Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, submitted a letter to Union minister for information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnav, requesting age-based regulations for users below 16 years.He also introduced a Private Member's Bill titled Social Media (Age Restrictions and Online Safety). The Bill proposes a minimum age limit for access, mandatory age verification, deletion of personal data collected during verification, and enforcement provisions. In the letter, the MP cited data on social media usage among children and adolescents. He wrote that a large share of children aged 14 to 16 have access to smartphones and actively use social media. He stated that studies show high exposure to online bullying and content not meant for minors.The MP also referred to recent incidents in Ghaziabad and Lucknow involving minors, which drew attention to digital addiction and online safety. He noted that several countries initiated steps on age-based restrictions. Australia announced a ban on social media access for children under 16, and countries including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are considering similar measures.He also stated that, at the state level, the NDA govt in Andhra Pradesh is examining the issue under the leadership of IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh, who is heading a committee of ministers working to bring a policy. Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already announced that the state will introduce an action plan on regulating social media use for children below 16 years. The MP urged the Union minister to set up an expert committee to study age-based regulation and recommend a national policy.