The Government has initiated discussions among relevant line ministries to assess the impact of social media use on children, ahead of considering any future regulatory measures.
A meeting was held on Saturday by the Ministry of Digital Economy with Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya, along with representatives from the Health Ministry and the Ministries of Child and Women Affairs, to evaluate how online platforms are affecting young people in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said the discussions focused on understanding the influence of social media on children. He emphasised that no final decision has been taken on banning social media for those under the ages of 16 or 12, noting that the Government first aims to identify the need for regulation before deciding on possible measures.
He also stated that plans are underway to create awareness among parents and teachers regarding children’s use of social media and digital platforms.
Meanwhile, several countries have already introduced stricter rules. Australia has approved a ban on social media for children under 16 from December 2025, while Spain is moving ahead with a similar ban alongside mandatory age-verification systems. France has passed legislation banning social media use for children under 15 and restricting mobile phone use in high schools, while Denmark is considering a ban for those under 15, with limited access permitted from age 13 under parental consent.
