Andhra Pradesh to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 13: CM Naidu's Bold Move

New Social Media Regulations for Children

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced on Friday that the state will implement a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 13 within the next three months.

During his address to the assembly, Naidu mentioned that discussions are ongoing about potentially extending this restriction to minors aged 13 to 16.

"We are committed to ensuring that children below 13 years will not have access to social media within 90 days," Naidu stated.

He also indicated that a decision regarding the ban for teenagers aged 13 to 16 will be made soon.

In relation to the alleged adulteration of the Tirupati laddu, Naidu remarked, "The desecration of Venkateswara Swamy laddu is not a trivial matter; it was a calculated act of conspiracy."

At a recent NDA legislative party meeting, Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of compromising the integrity of the Venkateswara temple by using inferior ingredients and animal fats in the revered laddus.

"The YSRCP does not seem to grasp the gravity of the situation, and there has been no accountability regarding the alleged desecration of Sri Venkateswara Swamy," he added.

The Chief Minister criticized YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for his apparent indifference towards the controversy.

He stressed that genuine democracy necessitates honoring the customs and traditions of religious institutions.

Despite the ongoing issues regarding the Tirupati temple's sanctity, Naidu noted a significant increase in religious tourism, with temple visits rising by up to 70%.

Labeling the YSRCP as "irresponsible," Naidu pointed out their absence from assembly sessions while still seeking opposition party status.

He claimed that 92 central schemes were inactive during the previous YSRCP administration, accusing them of misappropriating funds.

Following the NDA's rise to power, Naidu reported that 85 central schemes have been reinstated, and loans amounting to Rs 43,298 crore have been restructured, saving the state Rs 328 crore.

The TDP leader promised to complete the Polavaram project before the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027, aiming to dedicate this major irrigation initiative to the nation.

He affirmed that the development of the greenfield capital is progressing well with central government support, and MLAs will be able to move into their quarters by the next assembly session.

Naidu introduced an ambitious plan worth Rs 1 lakh crore aimed at transforming Rayalaseema and the former Prakasam district into a horticultural center.

On employment, he assured that the VB G Ram G scheme will be utilized without budget constraints.

Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state is working towards establishing a High Court bench in Kurnool, pending the Supreme Court's final approval.

On Women's Day, he pledged to create five lakh women entrepreneurs and announced that three lakh welfare homes will be inaugurated on Ugadi.

Addressing the conflict in West Asia, he noted that local markets are already feeling the impact of rising crude oil prices.

The Assembly also passed a resolution endorsing the 'Atmanirbhar-Viksit Bharat' vision.

Subsequently, Speaker C Ayyannapatrudu adjourned the House indefinitely.

During the Budget session, the House successfully passed 18 bills.