Social media use by minors may be restricted in Tajikistan

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, during his speech on the occasion of Knowledge Day, expressed concern about the growing use of smartphones and social media by schoolchildren and proposed studying this issue.

According to him, uncontrolled use of social media and smartphones can negatively affect the education, memory, psychological health, and physical development of children and adolescents. In support of his statement, the president declared that such consequences are indicated by certain reports from international organizations.

Emomali Rahmon instructed the Ministry of Education and Science, the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies, and other competent authorities to study the problem of smartphone, social media, and artificial intelligence use by students in general education institutions within three months and propose specific measures to the government for its regulation.

This proposal is being put forward against the backdrop of the fact that the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren in educational institutions of Tajikistan is already prohibited at the legislative level. The Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Parental Responsibility for the Education and Upbringing of a Child” restricts the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren and prohibits their use in schools.

In recent years, the issue of restricting minors’ access to social media has been discussed in other countries as well. For example, in Australia, a law has been adopted restricting the use of social media for persons under 16 years of age. In a number of other countries, including Germany, France, and Norway, proposals to introduce age restrictions or strengthen parental control are being discussed or considered.