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enior leaders including Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have spoken in favour of regulating mobile usage among minors. The government is currently holding consultations with experts, parents, and stakeholders to evaluate the pros and cons and work out possible modalities.
Karnataka mulls mobile phone ban for students under 16
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is seriously considering placing restrictions on mobile phone use for children below 16 years. The proposal comes as parents and civil society groups raise concerns about increasing screen addiction and misuse among youngsters.
Over the past week, senior leaders including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have spoken in favour of regulating mobile usage among minors. The government is currently holding consultations with experts, parents, and stakeholders to evaluate the pros and cons and work out possible modalities.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed concern over increasing screen dependency among children. However, the proposal has triggered debate over what restrictions would entail, how they would be enforced, and whether a blanket ban might negatively impact certain groups of students.
Feedback from schools suggests that many students oppose a complete ban, arguing that mobile phones became essential tools for homework and teacher-student interaction, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to the media, DK Shivakumar said the government is considering action due to rising parental concerns over misuse. He noted that mobile phones are already banned in government schools and added that several countries have implemented similar restrictions.
The government is expected to take a final call after completing consultations and reviewing expert recommendations.
