Kazakhstan Considers Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Mental Health Concerns

Kazakhstan is contemplating a ban on social media for children under 16, a move aimed at shielding adolescents from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on their mental well-being. The Ministry of Culture and Information has drafted legislative amendments, currently under government review, that would prohibit minors under 16 from registering on social media platforms, while allowing access to instant messaging services.

The ministry stated that social networks' inherent design, focused on engagement and monetization, poses significant risks to minors. These risks include exposure to destructive or age-inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors. The proposal reflects a growing international trend to place greater responsibility on technology companies for child safety.

Kazakhstan is examining international precedents, including measures implemented in Australia, Indonesia, and Turkey, as well as ongoing discussions in France, Spain, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The government is considering these examples alongside Kazakhstan's specific legislative framework, technological infrastructure, and digital development landscape. The debate highlights the pervasive nature of children's online activity in Kazakhstan, with research indicating significant engagement with digital spaces.

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The ban is primarily due to the fact that social networks, by their nature, are focused on engagement mechanisms, algorithmic content distribution, and the commercial monetization of user attention. For minors, this creates increased risks of exposure to destructive, harmful, or age-inappropriate content, as well as cyberbullying and addictive behavior.