January 29, Colombo (LNW): The government is exploring the possibility of limiting children’s access to social media, with a particular focus on those below the age of 12, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Savithri Paulraj disclosed.
Speaking on the issue, the Minister confirmed that preliminary discussions are already under way. Proposals on the table include a broad restriction on mobile phone use for children under 12, as well as specific measures aimed at preventing young children from accessing social networking platforms.
Minister Paulraj noted that Sri Lanka is not alone in considering such steps, pointing out that several countries have already enacted laws to regulate social media use among school-aged children. She said local authorities are studying international approaches to determine what safeguards could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context.
According to the Minister, the push for tighter controls follows a growing number of incidents involving harmful, abusive and ethically troubling content affecting children online. She stressed that unchecked internet use has increasingly exposed children to risks that demand urgent policy attention.
Alongside these proposed restrictions, the government is moving forward with new legislation specifically targeting cybercrimes committed against children. The draft law has already secured Cabinet approval and is expected to strengthen legal protections for minors in digital spaces.
Recent data from the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has further reinforced concerns. The Authority received 10,455 child-related complaints during 2025 alone. Of these, 8,514 cases fell within the NCPA’s legal mandate, while 1,941 required intervention beyond its statutory powers.
The complaints included 545 reports of sexual harassment and 231 cases involving serious sexual abuse. Authorities also recorded 38 instances of rape, 79 teenage pregnancies and three abortion-related cases. In addition, nine child marriages were reported during the year.
Digital threats featured prominently, with 150 cases of cyber abuse targeting children. More troubling still were 20 reports linked to attempted suicide among minors, underscoring the growing mental health pressures faced by young people.
Other concerns raised with the NCPA included 42 cases of children without birth certificates and nine incidents involving children under the age of five being left behind when parents migrated overseas for work.
The NCPA said the figures paint a stark picture of the vulnerabilities faced by children and highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards, coordinated action and sustained vigilance to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
