Zimbabwe Considers Social Media Restrictions for Under-18s

ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera

The Zimbabwe government is considering introducing restrictions that could limit children under the age of 18 from accessing major social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

The proposal forms part of a draft Child Online Protection Policy currently being developed by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.

Speaking at a public gathering in Karoi on Sunday, ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera said the proposed policy aims to protect children from the growing risks associated with online platforms.

Protecting Children in the Digital Age

Mavetera said the government is working on measures that could regulate how minors access social media and create a safer digital environment for young people.

“The Child Online Policy we are developing is intended to shield children from online harm and ensure that the digital space becomes safer for them,” she said.

Authorities say concerns over cyberbullying, digital addiction, and exposure to harmful content have intensified calls for stronger regulations. Parents, educators, and policymakers in many countries have increasingly raised alarms about the psychological and social impact of social media use among minors.

Part of a Global Trend

Zimbabwe’s proposed policy reflects a broader international shift where governments are tightening controls over youth access to digital platforms.

In Australia, lawmakers introduced one of the world’s most stringent policies in December 2025, banning social media access for children under 16. Authorities there say the measure has already led to the removal of more than 4.7 million accounts believed to belong to minors. Companies that fail to enforce the restrictions can face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. Following that move, Indonesia announced it would introduce a similar ban for users under 16 beginning on March 28, 2026.

Officials in Indonesia described the move as a response to what they called a “digital emergency” involving online fraud and child safety concerns.

Strict Controls Already in Place in China

Meanwhile, China has already implemented some of the strictest digital regulations for young people. Under its system, users under the age of 18 are automatically placed into a special “youth mode” that limits daily screen time and imposes overnight curfews that prevent minors from accessing certain apps during late hours.

Debate Likely in Zimbabwe

If implemented, Zimbabwe’s proposed Child Online Policy could significantly reshape how children interact with digital platforms. However, experts say such measures often spark debate about enforcement, privacy, and the balance between child protection and digital freedom. The government has not yet announced when the draft policy will be completed or presented for public consultation.

Zimbabwe social media ban children; Child Online Policy Zimbabwe; Tatenda Mavetera