Rwanda is advancing plans to introduce child-focused guidelines on social media use, aiming to create a safer and healthier digital space for children under 16, while sustaining the country’s momentum in digital transformation.
The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said on April 29 that relevant institutions are working jointly to shape the proposed measures. The initiative is designed to protect young users from online risks while promoting responsible and productive engagement with technology.
The move comes as children’s access to digital platforms continues to increase. A growing number of schoolchildren in Rwanda now use mobile phones to access the internet, often relying on shared devices within their families. While this reflects growing digital inclusion, officials say it also underscores the importance of strengthening safeguards and providing clear guidance to ensure safe and responsible use of digital platforms.
Beyond access, the findings also highlight important opportunities to strengthen students’ well-being in the digital age. Education stakeholders note that while learners are highly engaged with online platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, this also presents a chance to promote healthier digital habits. They emphasise that with proper guidance and balanced screen use, students can improve their concentration, manage online distractions more effectively, and maintain better focus and performance in the classroom.
According to a 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, adolescent digital use patterns reveal notable figures across social media and gaming behaviours. The report shows that 11% of adolescents exhibit signs of problematic social media use, with girls reporting higher levels than boys (13% vs 9%). It further indicates that 36% of young people maintain constant online contact with friends, rising to 44% among 15-year-old girls.
In addition, 34% of adolescents engage in daily digital gaming, while 22% report playing for at least four hours on days they game. The findings also show that 12% of adolescents are at risk of problematic gaming, with boys more affected than girls (16% vs 7%).
The WHO report describes problematic social media use as a behaviour pattern that resembles addiction, where individuals struggle to regulate their use of social platforms. It is marked by difficulty in controlling time spent online, feelings of discomfort or withdrawal when not using social media, prioritising it over other daily responsibilities, and experiencing negative impacts on everyday life as a result of excessive engagement.
Ingabire said the government’s strategy focuses on both prevention and empowerment, noting that children are highly connected and often more digitally adept than adults. She stressed the need for collective responsibility to ensure their online experiences are safe and beneficial.
As part of the broader strategy, parents are being encouraged to play a more active role by guiding screen time, understanding digital trends, and engaging with their children’s online activities. Experts say this collaborative approach can help children build healthier digital habits while still benefiting from the opportunities technology provides.
The proposed framework also draws on international experience. Countries such as Australia and Austria have implemented similar measures, demonstrating that structured regulation can help reduce online risks without limiting innovation.
In Rwanda, promising progress is already evident within the education system as schools increasingly integrate technology to enhance learning. School computer networks are carefully configured to prioritise educational content while limiting access to non-academic platforms, helping to maintain a focused and disciplined learning environment. These efforts support students in using digital tools more productively and strengthen a culture of responsible and education-driven technology use.
Officials stress that the goal is not to restrict technology, but to guide its use in a way that supports children’s development, mental well-being, and academic success. The initiative is expected to involve close collaboration with internet service providers, social media companies, educators, and families.
The Minister, Ingabire, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to building an inclusive digital future, noting that the country is leveraging technology as a driver of growth while prioritising the protection and empowerment of children to use digital platforms responsibly.
If adopted, the proposed measures would mark a significant step in aligning Rwanda’s digital growth with child protection priorities, setting a foundation for a safer and more balanced online experience for the next generation.
