Uzbekistan may restrict social media access for children under 16

Uzbekistan is contemplating a new law that would restrict social media access for children under the age of 16. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has already engaged in discussions with deputies and senators regarding the proposal.

Education minister E’zozkhon Karimova stated that a draft law is planned for submission to public consultation. She acknowledged that completely removing mobile phones from children's lives is unrealistic in the current technological age. Instead, the focus is on promoting responsible and balanced usage.

"We live in the age of technology, and we cannot take phones away from children. Of course, phones are necessary. However, there must be a culture and moderation in their use," Karimova emphasized. While schools currently have codes of conduct requiring students to leave phones before entering, enforcement varies. The ministry aims to strengthen oversight and introduce legal restrictions.

Karimova noted that Uzbekistan might follow the lead of neighboring Kazakhstan, which is also discussing similar restrictions. The children's ombudsman and representatives from social protection and education ministries have supported the idea of balanced restrictions, warning that a complete ban could be counterproductive and easily bypassed. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that recognizes social media's potential for educational content.

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We live in the age of technology, and we cannot take phones away from children. Of course, phones are necessary. However, there must be a culture and moderation in their use.