Uzbek authorities are considering introducing age restrictions on the use of social networks for children and teenagers under 16. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Gazeta.uz.
The possible initiative was announced by the country's Minister of Education, Ezzozkhon Karimova. According to her, the issue has already been discussed with deputies and senators, and in the future, the authorities plan to prepare a draft law and submit it for public discussion.
"We have talked about this with our deputies and senators. We want to develop a draft law and submit it for public discussion. I think such a procedure should also be in place here," the minister said.
At the same time, Uzbekistan does not plan to completely abandon smartphones. According to Ezzozkhon Karimova, in the modern world, gadgets have become part of the daily life of schoolchildren, so the issue is not about banning phones, but about rules for their use.
As the minister noted, schools in the country already require students to leave mobile phones before entering the educational institution. However, these rules are not followed everywhere.
"Now is the age of technology, we cannot take away phones from our children. Of course, a phone is needed. But there must be a culture and measure of its use," Ezzozkhon Karimova emphasized.
According to her, the authorities now intend to bring this issue under stricter control and enshrine restrictions on the use of social networks by children under 16 at the legislative level.
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates introduced new rules for social networks. Now children under 15 are prohibited from creating and using personal accounts.
Previously, Kursiv reported that Kazakhstan is also considering restricting children's and teenagers' access to social networks. The draft law is expected to be submitted for discussion in parliament by the end of 2026.