Bengaluru, March 6, 2026:
The government of Karnataka on Friday presented its 2026–27 state budget, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announcing a series of welfare, education, and infrastructure initiatives. One of the most talked-about proposals in the budget is a plan to restrict social media use for children below the age of 16, a move aimed at protecting young users from the harmful effects of excessive online exposure.
Presenting the budget in the state Assembly at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister said the government is increasingly concerned about the growing impact of social media on children’s mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Proposed Social Media Restrictions
According to the announcement, the state government plans to introduce regulatory measures to prevent children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. If implemented, the policy could make Karnataka the first state in India to impose such an age-based restriction.
Officials say the move is intended to address issues such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and declining attention spans among teenagers. The government is expected to work with technology companies to explore age-verification systems and parental control mechanisms.
Education and Youth Initiatives
Apart from the social media regulation proposal, the budget also places strong emphasis on improving the education system in Karnataka. The government announced plans to upgrade around 800 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools, providing improved infrastructure, digital classrooms, and better academic resources.
Additionally, thousands of new teaching positions will be created to strengthen the state’s education sector and ensure better teacher-student ratios.
Health and Social Welfare Measures
The budget also includes several health initiatives aimed at supporting children and families. Among them is a proposal to provide free insulin pens for children suffering from Type-1 diabetes. The government also plans to establish special rehabilitation and de-addiction centres for children, addressing concerns related to internet and smartphone addiction.
Infrastructure and Development Plans
In the infrastructure sector, the government announced plans to build a major international sports complex and cricket stadium near Bengaluru, which will have a seating capacity of around 80,000 spectators. The project aims to strengthen Karnataka’s position as a major sports and events hub in India.
Further development initiatives include transport upgrades, urban infrastructure expansion, and technology-driven education reforms, including the introduction of AI-based learning tools for students.
Budget Size and Focus
The Karnataka Budget 2026–27 is estimated at around ₹4.48 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s focus on social welfare, education, infrastructure development, and digital regulation.
A Controversial but Significant Proposal
While the proposed social media ban for children has sparked debate among educators and technology experts, supporters argue that it could help protect young users from online risks and promote healthier digital habits.
As the government prepares to draft detailed rules for implementing the proposal, the announcement has already generated nationwide discussion about regulating social media use among minors.