Russian lawmakers have proposed banning children under 14 from social media, claiming they are being exposed to "anti-Russian propaganda" and other harmful content online. 

Amir Khamitov, a member of the New People party, is leading the initiative, which seeks to shield minors from dangers such as predatory behaviour, misinformation, and extremist recruitment.

“It is no secret that social networks are precisely where paedophiles and other deviants seek their victims, where anti-Russian propaganda is spread and where recruiters for destructive cults operate,” Khamitov said, according to RIA Novosti. “Meanwhile, the mindless advocates of so-called 'freedoms' either fail to grasp the seriousness of the situation or – knowingly or unknowingly – act in the interests of those who threaten our children.”

Khamitov argued that social networks often serve as platforms for destructive propaganda. While adults can critically evaluate information, he said, children lack such safeguards and are more vulnerable to manipulation.

Although Khamitov’s proposal has a distinctly Russian flavour – citing "anti-Russian propaganda" as a threat to the youth – his proposal mirrors global trends towards stricter regulation of minors’ online activity. In November 2024, Australia enacted the Online Safety Amendment, prohibiting social media access for children under 16. The law penalises companies that fail to prevent minors from creating accounts. Similar legislation has been proposed in Norway and Indonesia, while France introduced a law in 2023 requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media.

This is not the first time Russian officials have sought tighter restrictions on minors’ social media use. Irina Volynets, Children’s Rights Commissioner for Tatarstan, previously advocated requiring parental consent for children’s access to social networks.