Tajik lawmaker proposes restriction on social media for children under 14
Proposal sparks debate as experts warn bans may harm digital literacy; comparisons drawn to global efforts and failures
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — A Tajik parliamentarian has called for a sweeping ban on social media access for children under the age of 14, with parental consent required for teenagers between 14 and 17. The proposal has ignited debate across the country, raising questions about children’s rights, digital literacy, and the role of parents in online supervision.
According to the news outlet Asia-Plus, lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda put forward the idea despite recent amendments to Tajikistan’s Law on Child Protection that already target false and harmful content. She argued that stronger legal measures are necessary to shield minors from the risks of online platforms, calling for a complete block on younger users and mandatory written consent for older teenagers.
Digital experts, however, say bans are not the answer. Media literacy specialist Rustam Gulov noted that social media platforms already impose age restrictions, but children frequently bypass them using false details or shared devices.
“Banning access only increases curiosity and secrecy,” he said, warning that a total block could slow digital development. Instead, Gulov urged policymakers to introduce media literacy education in schools and to expand high-quality content in the Tajik language, which he argued would steer young users away from relying on Russian-language material.
Psychologists echo similar concerns. Nigina Mamadjonova, a Dushanbe-based specialist, described a blanket ban as impractical but stressed that parents must take greater responsibility for monitoring their children’s online activities.
She warned that unsupervised use exposes minors to cyberbullying, online predators, and damaging social comparisons. “Too many parents hand over phones just to keep children quiet, without knowing what kind of content their kids are consuming,” she said.
Public opinion in Dushanbe appears divided. Some parents favor strict limits on children’s access, citing safety concerns, while others point to the educational value of platforms such as YouTube and the impossibility of cutting off young people from online networks.
Tajikistan’s debate mirrors a wider global struggle to regulate youth engagement with social media. Australia has introduced fines of up to $49.5 million for companies that allow children under 16 to use major platforms, while Nepal’s attempt at a blanket ban sparked widespread youth protests that escalated into deadly clashes and helped topple the government.
The controversy in Tajikistan highlights the delicate balance between protecting children and fostering digital literacy in a society where access to local-language educational content remains limited.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
