After Andhra Pradesh, Goa considering Australia-Like Social Media ban for childrens under 16.

The government of Goa is thinking about making a new rule that would ban children under 16 from using social media. This idea comes from worries many adults have about young people spending too much time on their screens. Social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and others are very popular with teenagers and children. But many experts and parents are concerned that too much time online might not always be good for kids.

The main goal of this plan is to protect children from possible harm that can come from social media. Some risks linked to using social media include feeling sad or anxious, getting bullied, or seeing things that are not right for young eyes. The government wants to make sure that children stay safe and healthy while using the internet.

To create this new rule, officials in Goa are looking at what other countries have done. One country they are studying is Australia. Australia has already passed a law called the Online Safety Amendment Act 2024. This law includes rules that limit children's access to certain social media platforms. The government of Goa is examining these laws carefully to understand how they work and whether a similar approach might be good for their own state.

Before making a final decision, the officials in Goa plan to have a meeting with the Chief Minister. They will discuss all the details and consider the advantages and possible problems that might come with such a ban. This is an important step because government leaders want to make sure this rule is fair, practical, and effective before introducing it.

As of now, no official statement or decision has been made. On January 27, 2026, there is still no confirmation that Goa will go ahead with the ban. The government is still studying and debating the idea. They want to gather all the necessary information and advice from experts and stakeholders before announcing anything to the public.

This proposal is significant because it is part of a bigger effort to make social media safer for children everywhere. Many parents, teachers, and health experts are starting to pay more attention to how screen time affects young people's mental and physical health. Too much screen time can lead to problems like sleep issues, difficulty focusing, and even emotional distress.

Such laws and regulations could change how children and teenagers access the internet and social media. If the ban goes through, children under 16 in Goa might have to find other ways to spend their free time or use the internet under supervision. It could also influence other regions to consider similar rules to protect their young people.

The timeline for this proposal is still uncertain. The officials are actively discussing the idea as of late January 2026. They plan to consult with the right experts and authorities to ensure that any new rule will work well and serve its purpose.

In summary, Goa’s government is still studying whether to restrict social media use for children under 16. They are looking at laws from other countries, especially Australia, to help guide their decision. The goal is to keep children safe from possible online dangers while balancing their freedom to enjoy digital platforms. This move shows that the government is serious about protecting young people’s health and wants to make the internet a safer place for them. However, until an official decision is made, the plan remains under review, and no new rules have been put into action yet.