Government considers restricting social media access for children under 16

10-Jul-2026

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The Government is considering measures to prohibit or restrict the use of social media by children under the age of 16, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed Parliament on July 8.

Responding to a question during the Prime Minister's Question Time, she said the National Child Protection Authority is holding policy-level discussions to strengthen online safety for children.

The Prime Minister said the new education policy includes dedicated provisions on digital and online safety. As part of the initiative, 750 teachers have already received training, with more programmes planned to improve digital literacy and online safety awareness.

She also announced that a special task force on cyber security and online child protection has been appointed and is expected to begin operations in September.