Rwanda is preparing legislation to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, as authorities step up efforts to protect minors from online risks, officials said.
ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said the proposed law would restrict access to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, citing concerns over the impact of digital content on children’s development.
The government plans to enforce the restrictions through a national digital identification system, which would be used to verify users’ ages before granting access to online services.
Authorities also expect internet service providers, platform operators and parents to play a role in implementing the measures.
Ingabire said national data indicated widespread use of digital platforms among young people, often without supervision. A recent study found that 46 percent of schoolchildren access online services via mobile phones.
At the same time, between 30 and 35 percent of students reported challenges linked to social media use, including attention difficulties and anxiety associated with online content consumption, she said.
The planned legislation builds on Rwanda’s existing framework for online child protection rather than introducing an entirely new regulatory system.
In 2025, the country adopted a national policy on child online protection, strengthening oversight of digital content and enhancing cooperation with service providers to limit exposure to harmful material.
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Rwanda also enforces cybersecurity and data protection laws that include specific provisions for minors under 16, reflecting a broader strategy to regulate the digital environment.
The move comes amid growing concern across Africa over children’s exposure to online risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying and excessive screen time.
Several countries on the continent are considering or implementing similar measures.
In Gabon, authorities have announced plans to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media use, alongside stricter identity verification requirements.
Zimbabwe is also weighing restrictions targeting users under 18, while Nigeria has launched consultations on potential age limits for digital platforms.
In Egypt, regulators have begun discussions on strengthening safeguards for children in response to rising concerns about harmful online content.
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These initiatives align with broader efforts led by the African Union to improve digital safety standards for minors across the continent.
Analysts say enforcing such restrictions may prove challenging, particularly in regions with high mobile penetration and limited parental oversight.
However, proponents argue that stronger safeguards are necessary to address the psychological and developmental risks associated with early and unsupervised exposure to social media.
If adopted, Rwanda’s proposed law would place it among a growing number of countries globally seeking to regulate minors’ access to digital platforms, balancing technological access with child protection concerns.
Officials did not indicate when the legislation would be introduced to parliament, but said consultations with stakeholders are ongoing.
