Speaking on the sidelines of the "Investing in Child Well-being" global summit in Samarkand, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov shared his perspective on potential legislative measures to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16. According to the minister, relying solely on legal prohibitions will not be sufficient to resolve the issue, as it is deeply intertwined with domestic upbringing, family environment, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and organizing meaningful leisure activities for minors.

Shermatov pointed out that while modern technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for education and personal growth, they also harbor significant hidden risks. Citing data from the World Health Organization, he highlighted that excessive screen time, sedentary habits, and poor dietary choices are major detrimental factors affecting children's health. Although child mortality rates in the country have shown positive improvements, digital addiction has emerged as a pressing new challenge requiring urgent attention.

Speaking not only as a government official but also as a father of four and a former education professional, Shermatov criticized the common practice where parents hand smartphones to their children simply to keep them quiet. He emphasized that even during family meals, relatives often stare at screens instead of communicating with one another, pointing out that this widespread habit demands a collective societal effort to reshape daily routines.

Addressing the feasibility of banning minors from online platforms through legislation, the minister argued that no single country has found a universal solution that instantly eradicates the problem. Even in nations that have implemented strict restrictions, challenges persist. Therefore, experts must collaborate to design a comprehensive program and roadmap that goes beyond mere legal bans to address broader organizational and lifestyle issues.

Source: www.gazeta.uz