Kazakhstani MP proposes TikTok ban, citing harmful effects on children

Kazakhstani MP Murat Abenov believes that videos on TikTok may have a destructive effect on children’s health, causing focus and memory issues along with depression. Therefore, he urged parents to limit their children’s access to social media.

Abenov’s comment followed a Facebook post by journalist Gulmira Abykai, who claimed that a seven-year-old girl no longer recognized her relatives after watching videos on TikTok. Moreover, according to the post, the girl’s personality changed.

«You feel admiration, fear, overexcitement, or sadness on TikTok every 15 seconds, which can lead to depression. Research on the issue has shown that those who watch TikTok more frequently are more vulnerable to depression. Their academic performance is weaker, their memory is worse and they struggle to comprehend large amounts of information or think critically,» the Kazakhstani ZTB news outlet cited Abenov as saying.

The official also noted that the U.S. has already attempted to ban this social media platform, while Europe has imposed measures to protect children’s personal data. He believes that Kazakhstan should also consider regulating social media.

Abenov also advised parents to monitor their children’s screen time and limit their use of TikTok.

Notably, TikTok has faced various restrictions or outright bans. According to open sources, among Central Asian nations, the short video platform remains fully functional only in Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan.

TikTok has recently updated its Family Pairing feature, now allowing caregivers to restrict access to the platform after 10 p.m., during study time or for other designated periods.