NEW DELHI: At a time when parents are worried about the downside of screen addiction among adolescents, legal experts including former CJI Ranjan Gogoi appreciated the intent behind proposed move by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to ban social media access to children below certain age but doubted the pertinence and effectiveness of legislative or executive intervention.TOI spoke to a spectrum of other experts – former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, and senior advocates A M Singhvi, Rakesh Dwivedi, and Devadatt Kamat – on the problem, efficacy of a law enacted by a state to prevent children below certain age from accessing social media platforms when telecommunication and information technology fall squarely within the law making domain of Centre and the possible ways and means to pull the children off the social media quagmire.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranFresh Food Airlifted Into UAE: LuLu flies 80,000 kg of Indian produce; more imports planned‘Xi’s world order died with Khamenei’: The good, the bad, and ugly of US-Iran war for ChinaGogoi, with grandchildren of impressionable age, spoke more like a wise elderly head of a family than a legal expert: “Social media is here to stay. Instead of banning children from accessing it, it would be better to educate them about its constructive usage. Older generation must teach them its benefits because it provides instant reach to a vast knowledge base. Why should children be deprived of its tremendous benefits?”When pointed out that Australia has banned under-16s from accessing Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads, Gogoi said, “We have very different social values and structures compared to Australia. We do not have to follow other countries blindly. Our strong social bonds and parental relations would be helpful in guiding the children to use social media beneficially.”Rohatgi was sceptical about the working and implementation of states enacting different laws prescribing different age limits for children to access social media: “Telecommunication and IT are central subjects. States should not enact laws individually. It will create confusion. It should be left to govt which can bring a legislation in Parliament to address the issue pan-India.”Singhvi said in principle the objective behind the proposed regulatory framework is laudable and desirable. “Across political spectrum, suffering parents, teachers and elders will endorse the deleterious impact of unlimited social media access on impressionable young minds.”What should be the mechanism to regulate it? Singhvi said, “As always both God and Devil reside in the details. The real test will depend on proper implementation without harassment and unrelated ulterior acts.” Dwivedi said, “The ban should not be absolute as children too have a fundamental right to communication and information. The ban should be on putrid content being placed on social media without adequate safeguards to prevent children from accessing such undesirable content.”Kamat, with two children of impressionable age, said mental health of the next generation should be safeguarded from the deleterious impact of unlimited access to social media. He said though communication is exclusively within the legislative competence of Centre, states can bring in regulatory mechanisms under the broad subject of health.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC, BJP Engage In War Of Words Over Change In Governor Ahead of Assembly ElectionsTMC RS Nominee Menaka Guruswamy Declares: ‘Shall Fight EC in Every Court’ in Fiery First SpeechNishant Kumar Will Make Political Debut On March 8, To Formally Join JD(U) After Nitish’s RS Move‘What Went Through The Administration’s Mind?’ Droupadi Murmu Flags Lapse, Mentions Mamata BanerjeeThe Khamenei’s Killer: Israeli Missile Family India Is Quietly Acquiring | WatchBJP Blasts TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Shocking Remark Against CEC Gyanesh KumarNo Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Set To Support Resolution In Parliament”Future Is In Countries Like India…” Piyush Goyal Hails India As Engine Of Growth’PM Modi Betrayed India’: Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack Over US Trade Deal, Russian OilLPG Cylinder Price Rise Heats Up Inflation Debate As Opposition Targets Modi Government123PhotostoriesExclusive – The 50’s Divya Agarwal breaks silence on divorce rumours with husband Apurva Padgaonkar; says ‘We live in separate houses…’How to make Bihari-style Champaran Mutton for dinner at home6 things you should never ignore in car maintenance10 desi Indian ways to enjoy Oats for dinner and dessert7 bedroom plants for better sleep and cleaner indoor airFrom iron deficiency to lung disease: Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problemsAllu Arjun’s brother Allu Sirish marries Nayanika Reddy: Bride dazzles in diamonds and Kanjivaram saree, groom steals show in ivory sherwani6 most luxurious homes owned by Indian cricketers with estimated prices5 famous war museums around the world travellers can visitWalt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage…”: 5 lessons it teaches students123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersDwarka ExpresswayUttam Nagar murderIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
NEW DELHI: At a time when parents are worried about the downside of screen addiction among adolescents, legal experts including former CJI Ranjan Gogoi appreciated the intent behind proposed move by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to ban social media access to children below certain age but doubted the pertinence and effectiveness of legislative or executive intervention.TOI spoke to a spectrum of other experts – former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, and senior advocates A M Singhvi, Rakesh Dwivedi, and Devadatt Kamat – on the problem, efficacy of a law enacted by a state to prevent children below certain age from accessing social media platforms when telecommunication and information technology fall squarely within the law making domain of Centre and the possible ways and means to pull the children off the social media quagmire.Gogoi, with grandchildren of impressionable age, spoke more like a wise elderly head of a family than a legal expert: “Social media is here to stay. Instead of banning children from accessing it, it would be better to educate them about its constructive usage. Older generation must teach them its benefits because it provides instant reach to a vast knowledge base. Why should children be deprived of its tremendous benefits?”When pointed out that Australia has banned under-16s from accessing Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads, Gogoi said, “We have very different social values and structures compared to Australia. We do not have to follow other countries blindly. Our strong social bonds and parental relations would be helpful in guiding the children to use social media beneficially.”Rohatgi was sceptical about the working and implementation of states enacting different laws prescribing different age limits for children to access social media: “Telecommunication and IT are central subjects. States should not enact laws individually. It will create confusion. It should be left to govt which can bring a legislation in Parliament to address the issue pan-India.”Singhvi said in principle the objective behind the proposed regulatory framework is laudable and desirable. “Across political spectrum, suffering parents, teachers and elders will endorse the deleterious impact of unlimited social media access on impressionable young minds.”What should be the mechanism to regulate it? Singhvi said, “As always both God and Devil reside in the details. The real test will depend on proper implementation without harassment and unrelated ulterior acts.” Dwivedi said, “The ban should not be absolute as children too have a fundamental right to communication and information. The ban should be on putrid content being placed on social media without adequate safeguards to prevent children from accessing such undesirable content.”Kamat, with two children of impressionable age, said mental health of the next generation should be safeguarded from the deleterious impact of unlimited access to social media. He said though communication is exclusively within the legislative competence of Centre, states can bring in regulatory mechanisms under the broad subject of health.
