Zimbabwe considers social media ban for under-18s

The Zimbabwean government says it is drafting new legislation that could restrict children under the age of 18 from accessing social media platforms as part of efforts to improve online safety.

The proposed measure forms part of a planned Child Online Protection Policy being developed by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, according to minister Tatenda Mavetera.

Speaking about the initiative, Mavetera said the policy is aimed at shielding young people from harmful online content while promoting safer use of digital technologies.

"We are working on a law under the social sector called the Child Online Protection Policy so as to protect the young ones," she said.

Under the proposal, authorities plan to introduce regulations governing how minors interact with social media platforms and other online services.

"By so doing we want to protect the young generation by banning social media to children who have not reached the maturity age of 18," the minister said.

Officials say the policy will also include programmes designed to guide children on responsible use of online platforms once the framework is implemented.

"As we implement the Child Online Protection Policy, we are also coming with programmes on how children use social media," Mavetera added.

The minister warned that unrestricted access to digital platforms could have negative consequences for young people if left unregulated.

"With that said it means we are going to be banning the young ones from using social media because this may affect our children's future in a negative way," she said.

Authorities say the initiative forms part of broader government plans to strengthen safety in the country's digital environment.

Mavetera said the proposed measures align with the vision of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure citizens are protected while using online platforms.