After Australia & France, Sri Lanka Looks To Ban Social Media For Kids

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Saroja Savithri Paulraj, says that immediate steps will be taken to ban social media for children under the age of 12.

She noted that child psychiatrists have already provided recommendations to the government regarding this matter. 

The Minister added that discussions are planned with several other parties before the ban is implemented. 

She also said that there is currently a global trend toward banning social media for children under 12 to protect their health and safeguard them from abuse.

The Minister further stated that work is underway to expedite the introduction of an act to prevent cybercrimes against children, for which Cabinet approval has already been granted.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, confirmed that ministerial-level discussions have commenced regarding the social media ban for children.

The ban follows, Under-16s in Australia being banned from using major social media services including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads.

Similarly, French lawmakers passed a bill that would ban social media use by under-15s, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.