(Image source from: AFP)

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh mentioned that the state government is looking into restricting social media for kids who are younger than 16. In an interview with Bloomberg in Davos, Lokesh shared that the government is examining Australia’s choice to limit social media access for those under 16 years old. He expressed that kids below a specific age should not engage with these platforms as they might not fully grasp the material they encounter and that a solid legal framework could be necessary. “As a state, we are analyzing Australia’s law regarding those under 16, and I do think we need to establish a strong legal measure,” he stated. Lokesh emphasized that he firmly believes that younger individuals should avoid social media “because they lack understanding of what they are observing. ”

In response to these comments, TDP National Spokesperson Deepak Reddy remarked, “Minister Nara Lokesh ji has accurately pointed out the serious worries related to the influence of social media on the mental well-being and safety of young children. Kids below a certain age are not emotionally developed enough to understand the negative and harmful material that is readily accessible online. This is why the Andhra Pradesh government is evaluating international best practices and looking at Australia’s law for those under 16 when it comes to social media. ”

He further stated, “Under the previous YSRCP government, social media was openly misused to launch vicious and insulting attacks against women, including those involved in politics, and Andhra Pradesh was one of the first states to take strict actions against such misconduct. In this same spirit, the current movement is focused on shielding children from harmful content and online negativity. The Telugu Desam Party fully supports Minister Lokesh ji in his efforts to protect children and encourage responsible use of social media”.