• Child Affairs Min. says consultation needed including with Justice Min. 

The Women and Child Affairs Ministry stated that the proposed ban on the use of smartphones by schoolchildren under the age of 12 is only at the stage of a proposal and will require considerable discussion before any decision is made.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Women and Child Affairs Deputy Minister Dr. Namal Sudarshana said that no formal discussion has yet taken place within the Government regarding the move.

“We have not yet discussed anything. This is just an idea. If it has to be done, it should be done in consultation with other Ministries such as the Justice Ministry,” he said, adding that some countries have already implemented similar measures.

Earlier, Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced that the Government was considering introducing a ban preventing children below the age of 12 from owning or using mobile phones. She said that the proposal is aimed at protecting children from excessive screen time and exposure to harmful online content, and promoting healthier social interaction and overall development.