The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said on Wednesday, April 29, that relevant institutions are currently drafting the legislation. The move aims to curb cyber-related crimes and shield minors from harmful online content.

The proposed restrictions follow a recent study revealing that 46 per cent of schoolchildren access online platforms via mobile phones, often without parental supervision.

The data further indicates that 30-35 per cent of students face anxiety-related challenges linked to digital distractions, specifically from platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Minister Ingabire highlighted a growing digital literacy gap between generations as a primary concern.

“In many households, children tend to have more digital knowledge than their parents or guardians, who may not fully understand what the children are accessing, and these are the issues we want to tackle,” Ingabire said.

Authorities noted that the psychological impact extends into the classroom, where highly engaging algorithms are eroding students' ability to focus.

“Content on digital platforms is often designed to be highly engaging, encouraging prolonged use and making it difficult for children to refocus once they return to traditional learning environments. This, in turn, reduces their attention span in class, and some students end up struggling with schoolwork because they are unable to sustain concentration for long periods,” she said.

The Ministry emphasized that while the law provides a framework, its success relies heavily on the cooperation of guardians.

Ingabire recommended structured screen time and increased awareness regarding the content children consume.

“If parents do not understand the importance of aligning with these efforts, it will be difficult to move forward,” she said.

The Minister also warned that the government is prepared to address issues such as children being used for monetized content creation, a trend seen in other nations.

“Although Rwanda has not yet reached that stage, we are prepared to take firm action where necessary. We will not remain passive on this issue. We will act, even if some parents may be reluctant to accept that these measures are meant to protect their own children,” she added.

Global standards and implementation

The proposed law draws inspiration from international practices in countries like Australia and Austria, where similar age-based restrictions have successfully reduced online risks.

“These are the measures we have seen being implemented in other countries, but they must be adapted (to our context) through collaboration with internet service providers, parents, social media companies, and children themselves so that they understand they are not permitted to own accounts on such platforms,” she said.

Despite the strict new measures, the government maintains it is not retreating from technological progress.

Minister Ingabire noted that technical controls are already active on school computers to block social media and limit access to educational content.

“We are still a country striving to expand in terms of technology, but we are doing so in a way that minimises the negative impacts associated with it,” the Minister Ingabire noted.

“Measures are already in place within the education system. School computers are equipped with technical controls that limit access to educational content and block social media platforms,” she added.