Kazakhstan's President Tokayev says he supports social media ban for under-16s

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has joined other world leaders in supporting a social media ban for youth under 16 years old. He made the statement during a session of the newly elected parliament in Astana on Friday. 

“I support it. I believe that particular attention should be given to this work,” Tokayev said.

The remarks follow his announcement on Wednesday that he would move forward with a proposal to ban social media registration for under-16s for lawmakers to review. 

“The psychological well-being, emotional resilience and moral upbringing of the younger generation have already become important factors in national security and the sustainable development of the country, Tokayev told parliament, known in Kazakhstan as the Kurultai. 

Azerbaijan joined a growing list of countries imposing social media restrictions on children last week, banning under-16s from creating accounts on online platforms.

Australia became the first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 in December 2025.

Since then, a slew of nations have followed suit. Bans came into force in Indonesia and Malaysia earlier this year, while restrictions are set to come into place in the United Kingdom and Greece from 2027.

France's top court on 14 August blocked a bill banning social media access for under-15s, saying it infringed upon freedom of expression.

Read more about social media bans:

• New Zealand to introduce bill banning social media for children under 16
• Azerbaijan introduces age verification rules for social media accounts
• Musk’s X says Australia social media crackdown undermines international law

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News Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Social media Astana