COLOMBO – The Sri Lankan government is set to ban the use and ownership of smartphones by children under the age of 12, Child Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj announced during an event attended by school students.
The minister stated that the decision aims to safeguard children from the negative effects of excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate online content, while promoting healthier childhood development, learning habits, and social interaction.
Paulraj emphasized that the proposed policy will ensure no child below 12 years old is permitted to own or use a mobile phone, marking a proactive step toward addressing concerns over the impact of digital devices on young students’ mental health and behavior.
The government is expected to finalize and implement the new regulation in coordination with education and telecommunications authorities in the coming months.
