THE Zimbabwean government is set to introduce a new policy that could ban teenagers and other under-age children from accessing social media platforms, citing concerns over harmful online content and its impact on mental health.
The proposed Child Online Protection Policy, being formulated by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, aims to promote responsible internet use and safeguard young people’s wellbeing.
ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera announced the plan while addressing newly trained Digital Ambassadors in Hurungwe, stating that the policy will restrict access to social media platforms for children under the age of majority. “We are now in the process of formulating a Child Online Protection Policy that is aimed at shielding our children from dangers and harm associated with social media,” Mavetera said.
The policy will target major platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, which authorities say expose young users to harmful content, cyberbullying, and other online risks. However, the minister acknowledged that enforcing such restrictions could be challenging, especially as many children access social media privately through smartphones and other personal devices.
“We have noticed with great concern the abuse of social media by our children,” she said. “While we are not taking away their right to access internet services, the policy seeks to ban our children from using social media platforms.”
The move follows a global trend, with countries like Australia introducing laws to ban children under 16 from major social media platforms. Zimbabwe’s policy proposal has received support from some quarters, with child president Lionel Mazarire saying it’s “long overdue” and will help learners focus on educational uses of the internet.
“Primarily, the internet should be for our schoolwork,” Mazarire said. “While there is a fight against drugs and substance abuse, we also have to fight social media abuse.”
Parents have also welcomed the idea, citing difficulties in monitoring their children’s smartphone use. Abel Matsika, a parent from Karoi, said many guardians struggle to monitor how their children use smartphones. “As parents, most of the time we are busy working and turn a blind eye to how they are using their phones,” he said. “The policy is going to help us manage and control them.”
The government plans to enforce the policy through fines for individuals or platforms that violate the rules. Australia’s law, introduced in December 2025, imposes fines of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe expands its Digital Ambassadors Programme, training citizens in digital skills and aiming to reach 800,000 trainees in 2026. The government also plans to introduce artificial intelligence studies in schools and establish digital hubs nationwide.
Officials say the social media restrictions and digital literacy programmes are designed to work together, protecting children from online harm while ensuring Zimbabweans can use technology productively and responsibly.
The government will also establish digital hubs at an additional 500 schools nationwide and continue installing internet connectivity in educational institutions. Later this week, Zimbabwe is expected to launch its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, signaling the government’s broader push toward digital transformation.
