Uzbekistan is considering a law to restrict social media access for children under 16, according to Minister of Preschool and School Education Ezozkhon Karimova.

She said the issue has already been discussed with members of parliament and senators, and work is underway on a potential bill that will later be submitted for public discussion, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uz Daily.

Karimova noted that it is impossible to completely prevent children from using smartphones, but their use should be regulated and a responsible digital culture should be developed.

She also reminded that schools already have rules requiring students to leave mobile phones before entering school buildings, although these rules are not always followed.

"Now we want to bring this under stricter control and legally restrict social media use for children under 16," Karimova said.