Sri Lanka, Jan. 30 -- The government is considering a ban on social media and smartphone use for children under the age of 12, according to Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj.

The proposal stems from recommendations by child psychiatrists and aims to protect minors from online abuse and harmful content.

Discussions are currently underway with various stakeholders to refine the policy.

Minister Paulraj noted that the decision is influenced by a global trend toward age-based restrictions, citing Australia's ban for those under 16 and France's limits for children under 15.

Deputy Minister of the Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne confirmed that technical evaluations have begun.

Once a formal policy is finalised b...