Karnataka’s initiative to restrict social media access for those under 16 aligns with worldwide movements addressing screen addiction. Specialists applaud this approach for its potential to boost mental and physical well-being, decrease cyberbullying incidents, and foster healthy social interactions.

The proposal to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16, which Karnataka State Budget 2026 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah introduced, demonstrates how governments worldwide adopt digital media restrictions to protect children’s health and development from excessive screen time. Experts show that social media access restrictions during early development stages provide substantial advantages for children through improved mental and physical and emotional health results. Children who spend too much time online experience continuous exposure to two dangerous situations which include comparison culture and cyberbullying and unrealistic standards. The development of emotional resilience and self-regulation and social skills through real-world social interactions requires children to reduce their screen time during their formative years.Excessive screen time has been shown to cause digital eye strain and headaches and early vision problems that have become more common among children. Social media restrictions encourage outdoor activities and better posture habits and improved sleep cycles which help children grow and develop their brains. The development of attention span and cognitive abilities proves to be equally important. The practice of continuous scrolling and viewing short digital videos creates an instant stimulation pattern that prevents children from focusing on schoolwork and reading and solving problems. The development of focus and learning ability and creativity can be enhanced by reducing screen time during early childhood development.The policy provides health advantages, but it also creates an indirect effect which improves family ties. Families experience deeper connections when children reduce their online time because it creates chances for valuable discussions and shared experiences and emotional bonding. Parenting experts believe that this can help parents become more involved in their children’s daily experiences, creating a supportive environment that nurtures communication, trust, and emotional security.The rising smartphone and social media usage among children leads to digital eye strain and dry eyes and headaches and the increasing cases of early-onset myopia (short-sightedness). People who watch screens for extended periods experience decreased blinking because they keep their eyes on nearby things which causes ongoing visual system strain. Social media access restrictions during early childhood help decrease unnecessary screen time while promoting outdoor activities which benefit children’s eye development and visual growth.Excessive scrolling and prolonged engagement with short-form digital content have also raised concerns about their potential impact on attention span and behaviour. The public now discusses how screen dependency leads to symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and what people commonly call “digital autism,” which causes children to experience reduced social interaction and communication difficulties and problems with maintaining their attention due to their excessive use of electronic devices.People who scroll continuously through content and use screens during the night will experience sleep disruptions because their bodies will receive blue light, which prevents melatonin production. The negative health effects of poor sleep in children include reduced eye comfort and decreased ability to concentrate and various health issues. Children who limit their social media use will establish more beneficial sleep patterns and gain improved control over their digital consumption.The measures encourage families to develop screen time rules which benefit their health. Parents can more easily direct their children to read books and play outside and spend time with others when their children use social media less. The new approach helps families develop stronger relationships while keeping their children safe from permanent eye damage and developmental issues which result from watching screens for long periods.(Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD – Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Whitefield Hospital and Dr Bhavya Reddy, Consultant – Ophthalmology, Aster Whitefield Hospital)