Armenia Considers Restricting Social Media Access for Children Under 16

YEREVAN — Armenian authorities are discussing possible restrictions on social media access for children under the age of 16, with several government agencies involved in the process.

Tamara Sargsyan, head of the General Education Department at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, said the issue is being reviewed jointly by the ministries of Education, Labor and Social Affairs, and High-Tech Industry.

“A study is currently underway to identify all the main opportunities, risks, and challenges. Once we have a complete picture, it will become possible to understand what regulations are needed and how they can be applied accurately and in a targeted way. Based on that, we will also determine which platforms may be subject to restrictions,” Sargsyan said.

She added that the topic is highly sensitive and involves multiple layers of legal and technical considerations.

“We have also raised questions about how feasible it would be to reliably match a device to a child. This is important so we can be confident that the decision is being effectively enforced,” she noted.

The ministry representative emphasized that there are existing issues in this field and that there is a clear need for regulatory measures.

She stressed that children’s digital safety is a priority, adding that the state must ensure it has created sufficient tools and regulations to protect children in the digital environment.