Amaravati, Apr 9 (TNT):Andhra Pradesh Education, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday directed officials to prepare guidelines and draft legislation to keep children below 13 years away from social media platforms.
Chairing a meeting with ministers, officials and representatives of social media platforms at his Undavalli residence, Lokesh said measures should also be framed to provide age-appropriate content for children in the 13–16 age group.
He stressed the need to protect children from the adverse impact of social media and directed officials to study best practices followed in countries such as Australia, Singapore and Denmark regarding digital safety and content regulation for minors.
The Minister said the state government would conduct awareness programmes across Andhra Pradesh on the harmful effects of social media on children.
He said awareness on digital safety would be imparted to students during No Bag Day and Mega Parent-Teacher Association meetings, and to women through self-help groups.
Lokesh warned of stringent action against those making derogatory or hateful remarks against women on social media.
He also directed officials to study the use of DigiLocker-linked age tokens for age verification and said a report would be submitted after obtaining public opinion on issues falling under the Centre’s legislative domain.
The Minister further instructed officials to take steps for immediate appointment of an adjudicating officer under Section 46 of the IT Act.
Representatives of major social media platforms briefed the ministerial panel on measures being taken to restrict sensitive content for children and address complaints, while assuring full cooperation to the state government’s initiatives.
TNT KM
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