Uzbekistan looks to legally restrict social media for children under 16

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has already initiated preliminary discussions on the matter with deputies and senators from the national parliament. Minister Ezozkhon Karimova confirmed that her department plans to draft a formal bill and present it to the public for open discussion in the near future.

"We are currently reflecting on this issue," the minister stated, adding that conversations with lawmakers have already taken place. "We want to develop a draft law and bring it to public consultation. I believe such a system should be implemented here as well."

While acknowledging that a total ban on mobile phones for children is unrealistic, Karimova emphasized the urgent need to establish a healthy digital culture and clear guidelines for device usage among youth. She noted that schools across the country already operate under an official directive requiring students to drop off their phones upon entry, though she admitted that compliance with this rule remains inconsistent in practice.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education intends to bring the situation under much stricter control, using national legislation to formally curb social media access for minors under 16.