Digital technologies minister weighs under-16 social media ban at Samarkand child well-being summit

Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov has said that legislation by itself will not resolve the issue of children’s use of social media, as he commented on a possible ban for those under 16.

Shermatov made the remarks at the World Summit “Investing in Child Well-Being” in Samarkand. He said technology gives children new opportunities to learn, but it also brings risks such as too much screen time, too little physical activity and unhealthy eating.

“If we adopt a law, it doesn’t mean all problems will be solved the next day. Even in countries that have imposed such restrictions, the problem has not been fully solved,” he said.

He said there is no single universal solution and urged organizational measures to accompany any restrictions. According to him, a roadmap should be prepared on the basis of the summit’s discussions and experts’ recommendations, after which ministries and agencies should improve their work.

When asked how many minors in Uzbekistan use the internet, Shermatov did not provide statistics. He said gadget use among children has now become universal and that some parents give phones to small children to calm them.

“This is an issue the whole of society must work on,” he said.

In June 2026, Ezozkhon Karimova, then minister of preschool and school education, said her ministry was considering drafting a bill to restrict social media use by children under 16. She said the idea had been discussed with Legislative Chamber MPs and senators, and that a bill would be prepared and submitted for public discussion.

Karimova said children cannot be completely cut off from phones, but that a culture of responsible use is needed.