Uzbekistan Considers Social Media Bans for Minors Under 16

Uzbekistan is actively considering the introduction of legal restrictions on social media usage for children under the age of sixteen. This proposal adds Uzbekistan to a growing list of Central Asian nations debating how best to protect minors in an increasingly digital world. The initiative was announced by E'zozxon Karimova, the Minister of Preschool and School Education, during a recent event at her ministry. She confirmed that preliminary discussions have already taken place with members of parliament and the Senate regarding this sensitive issue.

The minister emphasized that the goal is not to remove smartphones from children's lives entirely but to encourage responsible usage through legal safeguards. Karimova stated that while technology is integral to modern life, there must be clear limits and a culture of responsible use. She acknowledged that current rules requiring students to leave phones at school are inconsistently enforced across different regions. Therefore, the government aims to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and legally restrict social media access for those under sixteen.

This move mirrors similar legislative efforts in neighboring Kazakhstan, which is also considering amendments to prohibit children under sixteen from registering on social media platforms. Kazakh officials aim to shield minors from harmful content such as violence and pornography while reducing instances of cyberbullying. Approximately two hundred cases of bullying involving children were recorded in 2025, prompting calls for tighter regulation. Kazakhstan is also exploring age verification mechanisms, including SIM card registration requirements for younger users.

A similar debate emerged in Tajikistan last year, where lawmakers proposed banning social media access for children under fourteen. For teenagers aged fourteen to seventeen, written parental consent would be required. Supporters argued that stricter controls were necessary to protect children from harmful online content. However, critics maintained that digital literacy education and parental involvement would be more effective than blanket restrictions on technology use.

Uzbekistan has not yet published a formal draft law, but Karimova indicated that any proposal will first undergo public discussion before legislative consideration. This transparent approach aims to gather diverse perspectives on how best to balance child protection with technological access. The ongoing debates across Central Asia highlight the region's collective struggle to adapt legal frameworks to the challenges of the digital age. These efforts reflect a broader trend of governments seeking to mitigate risks associated with unrestricted internet access for minors.