Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Ban Social Media Use by Children Under 13
In September 2023, during a hearing involving X Corp (formerly Twitter), the Karnataka High Court addressed concerns about children’s addiction to social media. The court suggested that the central government consider implementing an age limit for social media usage, drawing parallels to legal age restrictions for alcohol consumption. The bench questioned whether individuals aged 17 or 18 possess the maturity to discern content in the nation’s interest and proposed setting the minimum age for social media use at 21.
In April 2025, the Supreme Court of India addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Zep Foundation, which sought a statutory ban on social media usage for children below 13 years of age. The petition raised concerns about the mental health implications of unrestricted social media access among minors, highlighting issues such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. It argued that such exposure infringes upon children’s fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, encompassing health and dignity.
Key Points from the Petition:
- Age Restriction: An absolute prohibition on social media access for children under 13, citing their lack of cognitive maturity to navigate digital risks.
- Parental Controls: Mandatory implementation of parental controls for users aged 13 to 18, including real-time monitoring tools and content restrictions.
- Age Verification: Introduction of robust age verification systems, such as biometric authentication, to regulate children’s access to social media platforms.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Strict penalties for social media platforms that fail to adhere to child protection regulations.
- Digital Literacy Campaign: A nationwide initiative to raise awareness among parents, teachers, and students about the risks associated with excessive social media use.
Mental Health Concerns Raised in the Petition:
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Increased Anxiety & Depression:
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The petition cited studies and real-life cases showing that prolonged exposure to social media platforms can lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem among children.
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Children below 13, lacking emotional and cognitive maturity, are more vulnerable to peer pressure, online bullying, and harmful content.
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Neuro-developmental Impact:
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Excessive screen time and overstimulation from social media are believed to disrupt attention spans, sleep patterns, and even affect brain development in younger children.
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Social Comparison & Body Image Issues:
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Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, etc., often promote unrealistic standards of beauty and lifestyle, leading to harmful social comparison, especially among pre-teens.
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Addiction and Behavioral Disorders:
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The petition highlighted the addictive nature of social media, designed to keep users engaged longer through likes, notifications, and algorithmic content.
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This can contribute to screen addiction, behavioral issues, and even withdrawal symptoms when access is restricted.
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The Supreme Court, however, declined to entertain the plea, stating that the matter falls within the domain of policy-making and is the prerogative of the legislature. The bench advised the petitioner to approach Parliament for the enactment of relevant laws. Nonetheless, the Court permitted the petitioner to make a representation to the appropriate authorities, directing that any such representation be considered in accordance with the law within eight weeks.
“It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law,” the bench told
This decision underscores the judiciary’s stance that issues pertaining to the regulation of social media usage among minors are policy matters best addressed by the legislative branch of the government.
- (April 04,2025) SC says no to plea for barring kids below 13 from using social media, The Hindu, website
