The proposed policy would prevent minors from creating accounts or viewing content on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube while in the country.
The move follows growing global concern about children’s exposure to harmful online content. Similar measures have recently been introduced in other countries.
In Australia, legislation adopted in late 2025 imposes heavy penalties, including fines of up to $34.4 million, on individuals or entities that enable children under 16 to access social media. Indonesia passed a comparable law in March 2026, classifying platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and X as high-risk for minors.
According to research by Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, 46% of children access digital services using mobile phones, either their own or their parents’. While schools provide computers for educational purposes, access is typically restricted.
Minister Paula Ingabire told RBA that between 30% and 35% of children surveyed reported encountering disturbing content online.
“We found that when children are on the internet or social media, particularly platforms like TikTok and YouTube, they are exposed to harmful material, including explicit content and other issues that negatively affect their well-being,” she said.
Ingabire noted that children often possess more advanced digital skills than their parents and teachers, making supervision and protection more challenging.
Currently, Rwanda does not enforce age-based restrictions on social media account creation or content access.
The government is now working on introducing systems, already implemented in other countries, that would block children under 16 from accessing such platforms. The approach will involve collaboration with internet service providers, social media companies, and parents.
“Our objective is to ensure that children under 16 are not able to create accounts or access these platforms,” Ingabire said. “We are working with relevant stakeholders to design a system that can be effectively implemented in Rwanda, as it has been elsewhere, in order to strengthen child protection online.”
Officials say the measure could also help reduce cyber-related crimes and encourage children to engage in more age-appropriate and beneficial activities.
In the meantime, parents are being urged to monitor their children’s screen time and online activity.
*Balancing child protection and digital education*
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana noted that students are already prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school, as they can distract from learning.
Ingabire emphasised that the government remains committed to promoting technology in education, but in a way that safeguards children.
“We want to enhance the quality of education through technology while minimising risks,” she said. “This includes protecting children from online threats and inappropriate content that may affect their development.”
In September 2025, Rwanda introduced a national child online protection policy. The cooperation framework between government agencies and internet service providers to detect and block harmful content, as well as regulatory measures requiring platforms to remove such material.
It also outlines the development of systems to monitor and prevent cybercrime, based on international standards.
In addition, the policy calls for ethical guidelines for technology developers and service providers to ensure their products and services align with national values and prioritise child safety.
However, some experts caution against a blanket ban. Sonia Ruton, Managing Director of Hope for Young, said technology also plays an important role in education.
“A gradual approach is needed,” she said. “Children should first be taught how to use technology responsibly. Online resources like Google and YouTube can help them better understand school subjects, especially complex topics. But their use should be limited to avoid distraction.”
International health guidelines recommend that children under two should not use digital devices; those aged two to five should be limited to about one hour per day with parental supervision; and older children should have moderated screen time.
Ingabire added that the planned rollout of a national digital identification system could make it easier to enforce age-based restrictions online by verifying users’ identities.
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