Uzbekistan Considers Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 16
Uzbekistan is considering introducing legal restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16, as authorities seek to strengthen online safety measures for minors. The proposal was announced by Minister of Preschool and School Education E’zozxon Karimova, who said a draft law could soon be prepared for public consultation.
According to the minister, the initiative is designed to encourage responsible use of digital technologies rather than ban smartphones altogether. Uzbekistan already requires pupils to leave their mobile phones before entering school, but officials say enforcement of existing rules remains inconsistent. The proposed legislation would introduce legal limits on social media access for children under 16.
The move follows a broader regional trend as governments across Central Asia explore ways to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful online content and excessive screen time. Similar proposals have recently been discussed in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, while several countries worldwide have adopted or are considering age-based restrictions on social media platforms.
No draft legislation has yet been published. Karimova said any proposal would first be released for public discussion before being submitted to parliament for consideration.
