SRI LANKA MULLS RESTRICTING SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS FOR MINORS

COLOMBO, Jan 28 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government is considering restricting social media access for underage children amid growing concerns about the harmful effects of online content, local media reported on Wednesday, citing a senior official, reported Xinhua.

Deputy Minister of the Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said discussions are underway to explore potential limits on social media use by students and minors following a rise in incidents linked to digital platforms.

He said the decision on whether to introduce restrictions would fall under the Mass Media Ministry or the Education Ministry.

Once a policy is finalised, authorities will provide the necessary technical support for implementation.

However, the government has not yet reached a final decision, but the country must address the damage caused to the minds of underage children by social media content, Weeraratne said.

He added that social media companies could work with local telecommunications providers to enforce controls, noting that similar measures have already been adopted in several countries.

The required technical capability already exists and could be applied in Sri Lanka, he said.

He said that any restrictions would require a formal government policy and a comprehensive plan before enforcement.

Globally, governments have been tightening oversight of children's social media access due to concerns over cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and declining mental health among minors.

A prime example is Australia, where the world's first social media ban for underage children came into effect in December 2025.  

--BERNAMA-XINHUA