Sridhar Vembu Urges India To Ban Social Media for Young Children; Here's Why
Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has sparked an online debate by suggesting India ban social media for young children. His comments follow France passing a landmark bill banning social media for under-15s, with Vembu advocating for physical books and outdoor play over screens.
Zoho co-founder and ex-CEO Sridhar Vembu has sparked an online debate after suggesting that India should implement a ban on social media for young children. Vembu'S comments came in response to international legislative developments, specifically following France's parliamentary move to pass a landmark bill restricting social media access for children under the age of 15.
Inspiration From International Legislation
France recently became the first European Union country to advance a blanket social media restriction after lawmakers voted in favour of the legislation. The measure aims to curb excessive screen time, limit the influence of online platforms on minors, and protect teenagers from digital harms. Additionally, the French framework pairs these digital limitations with prohibitions on mobile phone use inside school environments. Sridhar Vembu Backs IBM CEO Arvind Krishna's Warnings on 'AI Data Centre Bubble'.
India Should Ban Social Media for Young Children, Says Sridhar Vembu
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! https://t.co/WJ1ZxLkZ7d
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) July 24, 2026
The Case for Outdoor Play and Reading
Explaining his perspective on social media restrictions, Vembu emphasised the importance of childhood development away from digital screens. He argued that children benefit more from traditional activities, physical books, and outdoor engagement than from spending time on online platforms.
"India should ban social media for young children too," said Vembu in an X (formerly Twitter) post, adding: "I believe young children should read physical books, play in the dirt under the sun and stay away from social media!" Sridhar Vembu Backs Pramaana Labs, Says 'I Believe Far More Efficient and Highly Reliable AI Systems Are Possible'.
Wider Conversations on Child Safety
Vembu's remarks have resonated with ongoing global discussions regarding digital literacy, screen time regulation, and online safety for minors. As governments worldwide evaluate stricter age-verification mechanisms and platform accountability, business leaders and public figures continue to weigh in on how modern technology impacts younger generations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 08:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
