Australia has passed a law banning children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The law, which imposes fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for non-compliance, aims to address growing concerns about the mental health impacts of social media on young users. The law is set to take effect in a year, following a trial phase in January. While it has garnered public support, it also faced criticism from privacy advocates and tech companies. European countries are also tightening rules on children’s social media use. For instance, the UK is studying its impact on kids, while Norway proposes raising the minimum age for consent from 13 to 15. France requires parental permission for children under 15, Germany for those aged 13 to 16, and Italy for those under 14. Belgium allows children over 13 to use social media without consent, and the Netherlands bans mobile devices in classrooms starting at age 12. In this exclusive interview with The New Times, Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, the Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, explained the implications of such a policy for Rwanda, its feasibility, and the country’s existing frameworks for protecting children online. The excerpts: Do you think Rwanda should consider implementing a similar policy banning children under 16 from social media? No! Many social media platforms already have age restrictions based on the laws of the countries where they originate. Platforms developed by American companies, for instance, set the minimum age at 13 to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets the threshold at 16, with some nations lowering it to 13. In Rwanda, the situation is stricter. Local platforms adhere to the child protection law, which mandates a minimum age of 18 for social media use. This legal framework already provides a solid foundation for safeguarding children in the digital space. Adopting a policy similar to Australia’s would undermine parental roles in guiding children’s technology use and suggest that Rwandans are incapable of responsibly navigating digital platforms. Such measures could also infringe on fundamental rights, including children’s access to information, freedom of expression, and opportunities for leisure and association. A ban would likely come with technical challenges, such as age-verification mechanisms, which could expose children’s sensitive information to unauthorized users or cybercriminals, further compromising their security. Instead, raising awareness about the responsible use of social media and empowering families with knowledge is a more sustainable approach to addressing these issues. What factors should be considered when evaluating whether such a ban would benefit Rwanda? There are several factors to weigh. First, inclusivity and accessibility are critical. Rwanda’s advancements in digital infrastructure and literacy have empowered young people to use social media for education, communication, and entrepreneurship. Restricting access to those under 16 could exclude a significant portion of the population from resources that foster personal development, creativity, and global engagement. Another key factor is privacy and data protection. Enforcing a ban would require robust age-verification processes, which often involve collecting sensitive personal data. Without stringent safeguards, this information could be exploited by malicious actors or misused by unauthorized entities. The centralization of such data increases the risk of security breaches, eroding public trust in digital systems. Security concerns also arise when age verification compromises encryption, a cornerstone of internet safety. Introducing backdoors to verify user ages could weaken secure communication channels, leaving users—particularly children more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Such measures could also undermine global cybersecurity standards and trust in online platforms. Lastly, Rwanda’s reputation as a tech-forward nation must be considered. A restrictive policy could deter global investors, innovators, and tech companies from engaging with the country’s digital market. This would clash with Rwanda’s ambitions to position itself as a leader in digital innovation, potentially hindering economic growth and limiting opportunities for young entrepreneurs. How do you assess the impact of social media on young people in Rwanda? Could a ban address specific social issues? The impact of social media on young Rwandans is multifaceted, offering both benefits and risks. On the positive side, social media serves as a critical educational tool. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn enable students to access learning materials, participate in online courses, and engage with global educational communities. This is particularly valuable in rural areas, where traditional educational resources may be limited. ALSO READ: Social media and the mental health of young adults: The need for digital detox Social media also drives youth empowerment and economic growth. Many young Rwandans have used platforms to start businesses, promote local products, or build personal brands. This entrepreneurial activity not only boosts the economy but also helps young people to gain financial independence. Additionally, social media allows youth to participate in social and political advocacy, raising awareness about issues such as gender equality, climate change, and human rights. However, there are risks. Cyberbullying and online harassment are growing concerns, with the potential to cause long-term emotional harm. Exposure to harmful content and misinformation is another challenge, as it can negatively influence young people’s views and decisions. Privacy risks also loom large as many young users are unaware of the dangers of oversharing personal information online, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and exploitation. ALSO READ: The dark side of social media for Rwandan youth A ban, however, is not the solution. It might address some concerns but could push social media use underground, where age falsification and unmonitored activity become more prevalent. This would leave young users even more vulnerable to the very dangers the ban seeks to mitigate. A better approach involves education, parental involvement, and the promotion of digital literacy to create a safer online environment. Are there existing frameworks in Rwanda that could regulate children’s access to social media without resorting to a ban? Yes, Rwanda has robust legal and policy frameworks to protect children online. The child protection law provides comprehensive safeguards against abuse, exploitation, and harm, emphasizing the role of parents, guardians, and institutions in ensuring children’s welfare. The child online protection policy, introduced in 2019, offers guidelines to mitigate risks in the digital space while enabling safe and confident online navigation. This policy aligns with children’s rights to access information and includes measures to protect them from harm such as exploitation and abuse. It also highlights the digital literacy initiatives and parental involvement. Early this year, new ministerial instructions were issued to further strengthen online child protection, addressing emerging challenges in the digital landscape. Additionally, Rwanda’s data protection and privacy law governs the collection, storage, and use of personal data, ensuring that children’s privacy is respected and safeguarded. These frameworks provide a strong foundation for regulating social media use among children. Rather than implementing a ban, Rwanda can enhance these existing policies to encourage responsible digital behaviour while protecting young users from harm. Could Rwanda’s approach to social media regulation serve as a model for other nations? Absolutely. Rwanda’s approach prioritizes education, empowerment, and ethical use of technology over restrictive measures. By focusing on digital literacy and strengthening existing frameworks, the country ensures that young people can benefit from social media while minimizing risks. This balanced approach aligns with Rwanda’s vision of becoming a leader in digital innovation and provides a model for other nations seeking to navigate the challenges of online child protection.
