The Madras High Court has suggested that the central government consider bringing a law to restrict social media usage by children below the age of 16, drawing a parallel with Australia’s recent decision to ban minors from accessing social media platforms. The observation was made while hearing a public interest litigation highlighting the risks children face due to unrestricted internet access.
A division bench comprising Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan said that until such a law is introduced, authorities must intensify awareness programmes on online safety and ensure they reach vulnerable groups through all available media. The court stressed the need for stronger protective mechanisms for children in the digital space.
The petition, filed in 2018 by S Vijayakumar from Madurai district, pointed out the easy availability of pornographic content to young children. It sought directions to internet service providers to offer parental control or “parental window” services, and urged child rights commissions to actively conduct awareness programmes for parents and children.
During the hearing, the court noted that creating awareness about children’s rights and available safety tools is a statutory responsibility of child rights commissions. While acknowledging that some programmes are conducted in schools, the bench observed that these efforts are inadequate and need to be expanded to reach wider sections of society.
