Andhra Govt Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 13
CM Naidu says children under 13 will be barred from social media within 90 days
- Andhra Pradesh plans social media ban for children below 13 years
- Government considering extending restriction to teenagers aged 13–16
- CM Chandrababu Naidu raises Tirupati laddu adulteration issue in Assembly
- Temple tourism in the state rises by nearly 70 percent
GG News Bureau
Amaravati, 6th March: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that the state government plans to prohibit the use of social media by children below the age of 13 within the next 90 days.
Addressing the state assembly, Naidu said the government is also debating whether the restriction should be extended to teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16.
“Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media,” the Chief Minister said, adding that a final decision on teenagers will be taken after further deliberations.
Naidu said the move is aimed at protecting children from the potential harmful impact of excessive social media exposure.
During his address, the Chief Minister also referred to the alleged Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration issue, describing it as a serious matter.
“Venkateswara Swamy laddu was desecrated. This is not an ordinary crime. It was a deliberate conspiracy,” Naidu said.
He recalled raising the issue during a National Democratic Alliance legislative party meeting in 2024, when he had accused the previous YSR Congress Party government of using substandard ingredients and animal fats in the preparation of laddus offered at the Tirumala temple.
According to Naidu, the alleged incident hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees who revere the sacred offering associated with Lord Venkateswara.
The Chief Minister criticised YSRCP leader Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that the opposition leader had shown no remorse over the controversy.
Naidu also stressed that a healthy democracy requires respect for the customs and traditions of religious institutions.
Despite the controversy, he noted that religious tourism in Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a strong rise.
“The state’s temples have seen a rise in footfalls, logging a growth of up to 70 percent,” the Chief Minister said.
