Smoking, liquor has always been out of bounds for minors. But now mobile phones too will follow suit in Karnataka.

The state government has announced that mobile phones shall not be sold to children below the age of 16. This would mean that there shall be a statutory warning outside mobile shops saying that children below 16 will not be entitled to buy mobile phones.

This announcement was made by Minister of State for Education Basavaraj Horatti. He also announced that the use of mobile phones will be banned in all schools and colleges. Horatti said that mobile phones are a hindrance to a child and hence it was in their best interests that it is banned.

Horatti said that the issue would be discussed in the Cabinet and then an official order would be passed. The order will also spell out the punishment to those selling mobiles to children below the age of 16. The ban on the usage of mobile phones will also apply to professional colleges.