Kazakh lawmaker Askhat Aimagambetov has argued that legislative action is necessary to restrict children’s access to social media, aiming to protect them from harmful content on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. He said that smartphones in the hands of children as young as 4 to 6 years old, often without parental supervision, can pose serious risks.
A growing craze
Aimagambetov said nearly every child in his neighborhood is always on their phone. He claimed social media algorithms “hook” children, likening it to gambling.
«We all know violent, bullying content is freely available,» he said. «This isn’t just ‘entertainment’ — it affects a child’s developing psyche.»
He added that excessive online exposure may lead to sleep issues, poor concentration, anxiety, and aggression in children.
Children at risk
Aimagambetov noted that in China, children’s app use is limited to educational material. In Kazakhstan, by contrast, social media is largely unregulated, and many parents use digital devices as a «nanny.»
«A smartphone is not a nanny. We need a systematic approach,» he said. «Let’s discuss whether legislative restrictions are needed to address these risks. Should we set age limits for social media access — 10, 12, or 14 years old?»
Countries support social media ban for children under 14 years of age (%)
The lawmaker acknowledged that bans alone would not solve the problem and called for the active implementation of digital hygiene and critical thinking skills lessons for children.
