Jakarta, INTI - The Sri Lanka government is currently reviewing the possibility of restricting social media access for minors, amid growing concerns over the negative impact of online content on children’s mental health.
The information was conveyed by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, as quoted by local media on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
The proposal is being discussed seriously in response to a surge in incidents involving children and students on digital platforms.
Policy Still Under Review, No Final Decision Yet
The proposed restriction remains under deliberation and has not yet reached a final decision.
However, the government believes that swift action is necessary to address the potential risks posed by social media to younger generations.
Weeraratne stated that the final decision would rest with either the Ministry of Mass Media or the Ministry of Education, depending on the form of policy to be adopted.
Once the policy is finalized, technical support will be prepared by the relevant authorities to ensure effective implementation.
He also explained that social media companies could collaborate with local telecommunications service providers to enforce access control mechanisms.
“Such measures have already been implemented in several other countries and are technically feasible in Sri Lanka as well,” he said.
Weeraratne emphasized that any form of restriction must first be accompanied by an official policy framework and a comprehensive implementation plan.
Growing Global Pressure to Protect Children from Cyber Risks
Restricting children’s access to social media is not a new issue at the global level.
Many countries have taken firm measures to strengthen oversight of children’s use of digital platforms.
Key concerns driving these actions include cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the rising incidence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents.
Australia became the first country in the world to implement a nationwide ban on social media access for minors in December 2025.
Australia’s move has since become an important reference for other countries, including Sri Lanka, as they consider similar policy approaches.
Conclusion
The growing adoption of social media restrictions reflects increasing global awareness of the risks digital platforms pose to children’s well-being. As more countries evaluate regulatory measures, the focus is shifting toward balancing digital access with stronger safeguards to protect the mental health and safety of younger generations.
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