Bengaluru, Jan. 31 -- The Karnataka government is considering regulating children's access to social media along the lines of measures implemented in some other countries, state minister Priyank Kharge said in the assembly on Thursday. Speaking during a discussion on the impact of inappropriate digital content on minors, Kharge said the southern state has already launched an initiative aimed at moderating digital habits among students. "Finland has made a decision, the UK is also considering similar measures, and Australia took a call two months ago by banning social media exposure for children. We are also discussing what needs to be done in terms of the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and social media. The matter is under discussion," the state IT minister said. He added that close to 300,000 students and 100,000 teachers were participating in a "digital detox" programme launched by the state government in association with tech giant Meta. To be sure, Kharge did not specify the age group that could face restrictions on social media access or indicate whether any legislation was being considered. According to the Seventh Schedule, general regulation of social media or communication intermediaries lies in the Union government's domain, but states can enact laws overlapping such domains, including those pertaining to the cyberspace, by making a case under public order necessities. Kharge's remarks come against the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh and Goa also contemplating restricting minors' access to social media amid growing concerns over mental health risks. Economic Survey 2025-26, which was released on Thursday, also called for age-based restrictions on digital platforms, warning that compulsive screen use among young people is imposing measurable economic and social costs on the country....