Free Reads African Govts Move To Lock Minors Off Social Media In Continent-Wide Crackdown By Henry Nzekwe  |  May 5, 2026 At least half a dozen African countries have proposed or implemented restrictions on social media access for minors in the past year, signalling a continent-wide shift toward tighter regulation of digital platforms as governments grapple with rising online risks to children. Rwanda proposed legislation last week prohibiting children under 16 from using platforms including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. An estimated 46% of schoolchildren in Rwanda access online platforms via mobile phones Gabon imposed a sweeping ban on social media use for under-16s earlier this year, requiring platforms to enforce a digital age of majority at 16. Zimbabwe is moving to restrict minors’ access, citing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation and addiction. Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the government wants to ban social media for children who have not reached…