SC Seeks Centre’s Response On Plea To Restrict Children’s Access To Social Media Platforms

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centre’s response to a plea seeking a regulatory framework to restrict children’s access to social media platforms and protect them from online harms.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Centre and posted the matter for further hearing on December 7.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Indore-based Emerald Heights International School and its Director, Siddharth Singh.

The petition sought age-based restrictions on social media use, including a ban on access for children below a prescribed age.

The petition sought a comprehensive policy to address risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation, exposure to harmful content and addictive platform design.

It also flagged concerns over depression, anxiety, body-image issues, sleep disruption and the misuse of children’s personal data.

The petitioners contend that voluntary safeguards and parental controls are insufficient to address these risks.

They have also sought a declaration that the government’s failure to put adequate protections in place violates children’s fundamental rights, including the rights to equality, life and personal liberty, and education.