Tajikistan Considers New Social Media Restrictions for Minors

Proposed Legislation Targets Youth Social Media Use

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Tajikistan is currently considering new legislative measures aimed at significantly restricting children's access to social media platforms. The proposal, put forth by lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda, a deputy in the lower house of parliament, suggests a complete ban on social media use for children under the age of 14. For adolescents aged 14 to 17, the legislation would mandate written parental consent for social media access.

The initiative was detailed in articles published in official newspapers, including 'Narodnaya Gazeta' and 'Xalq Gazetasi'.

Rationale Behind the Restrictions

Ahmadzoda's primary motivation for the proposed restrictions stems from concerns over the potential negative impact of excessive internet and social media use on children's 'mental and spiritual development'. She argues that while amendments to the Law on the Protection of Children's Rights were passed earlier this year to address false and harmful online content, these changes do not go far enough. Ahmadzoda stated, 'It is necessary to introduce further changes to ensure that children's and teenagers' use of social media is under control.'

Expert Concerns and Public Debate

The proposal has ignited considerable debate among experts, parents, and the public. Media literacy specialist Rustam Gulov warned that an outright ban might be counterproductive, potentially increasing curiosity and driving youth online behavior 'underground'. Gulov noted that existing age restrictions on platforms are often bypassed by children using false birthdates or parents' devices.

Experts like Gulov and Dushanbe-based psychologist Nigina Mamadjonova advocate for alternative solutions, emphasizing the importance of education, digital literacy, and parental involvement. Gulov suggested introducing media literacy education in schools and expanding high-quality content in the Tajik language to provide constructive online alternatives. Mamadjonova stressed that parents must take greater responsibility for monitoring their children's online activities, warning against unsupervised use that exposes minors to cyberbullying, online predators, and damaging social comparisons.

International Context and Implementation Challenges

Tajikistan's consideration of these restrictions mirrors similar efforts in other countries, such as the USA (Florida), France, China, and Germany, which have implemented varying degrees of social media regulation for minors. However, digital technology and human rights experts have expressed caution, warning that a total ban would be difficult to enforce and might not address the underlying risks effectively.

The debate in Tajikistan also takes place within a broader context of tight internet control in the country, where all international traffic is routed through a state-controlled gateway. Public opinion in Dushanbe remains divided, with some residents supporting strict limits for safety reasons, while others highlight the educational value of platforms and the impracticality of completely cutting off young people from online networks.