Zoho Founder Advocates Social Media Ban For Young Children In India

Zoho co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer Sridhar Vembu has called for India to ban social media access for young children, saying such a move would help protect childhood development and encourage healthier activities. His remarks, made in a post on social media platform X, came in response to France’s recent decision to prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms.

Referring to the French legislation, Vembu argued that young children should spend less time on mobile devices and more time engaging in activities that promote learning and physical development. He said children should read physical books, play outdoors and stay away from social media rather than spending long hours on digital platforms. France recently became the first European Union country to approve a nationwide social media ban for children under 15 and also prohibited the use of mobile phones by students on school premises.

Vembu’s comments quickly sparked widespread discussion online, with users expressing differing views on whether India should adopt a similar policy. Many supported the proposal, arguing that unrestricted access to social media has contributed to rising concerns about screen addiction, exposure to harmful content and the impact of excessive online activity on children's mental health and overall well-being.

Also Read: India, Israel Step Up FTA Negotiations To Expand Economic Partnership

Others, however, suggested that a complete ban may not be the most effective solution. Some users argued that while mindless consumption of social media can be harmful, digital platforms also provide opportunities for creativity, education and entrepreneurship when used responsibly. They advocated for stronger parental supervision, age-based restrictions and better digital literacy instead of an outright prohibition.

A section of users also opposed greater government involvement in regulating children's online behaviour, saying such decisions should remain the responsibility of parents and families. They argued that imposing broad restrictions could lead to unnecessary state intervention in personal choices and that educating children about responsible technology use would be a more balanced approach.

The debate reflects growing global concerns over the effects of social media on children and adolescents. Several countries are exploring stricter regulations to address issues such as online safety, cyberbullying, excessive screen time and mental health. While India has not announced any proposal for a nationwide social media ban for young children, Vembu’s remarks have reignited discussions on the need for stronger safeguards to protect minors in the digital age.

Also Read: Balen Shah Breaks Self-Imposed Diplomatic Silence For India, China: Sources