Sridhar Vembu Backs Social Media Ban for Children

• Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu called for a social media ban for young children in India.
• His remarks came after France passed a law banning social media for children under 15.
• Vembu advocated books and outdoor play over excessive screen time.
• The proposal sparked a mixed debate on social media.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th July: Zoho co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer Sridhar Vembu on Friday called for India to ban social media access for young children, saying they should spend more time reading books and playing outdoors instead of being glued to mobile screens.

Vembu made the remarks on X while reacting to France becoming the first European Union country to approve legislation banning children below the age of 15 from using social media platforms.

“India should ban social media for young children too. I believe young children should read physical books, play in the dirt under the sun and stay away from social media,” Vembu wrote.

His comments quickly gained traction online, triggering a wider debate on children’s digital exposure and the role of government in regulating internet access.

Several users supported Vembu’s views, arguing that unrestricted access to social media is contributing to addiction among children and adversely affecting their mental health and overall development.

Others, however, opposed the idea of a blanket ban, contending that the focus should instead be on regulating harmful content and promoting responsible use rather than restricting access entirely.

Some users also argued that parents, rather than the government, should decide how their children use digital platforms, warning against excessive state intervention in personal choices.

The debate follows France’s recent legislation banning children under 15 from accessing social media platforms and prohibiting students from using mobile phones inside school premises, a move aimed at reducing screen addiction and improving student well-being.