Protection of Minors Online - Cyber Dependency in Children: Towards a Set of Parental Measures
Title: Protection of Minors Online - Cyber Dependency in Children: Towards a Set of Parental Measures
Author: Patrick Hilbert
Date: Thu, 27/11/2025 - 14:20
In response to the rising issue of cyber dependency among children and adolescents, authorities are preparing a comprehensive set of legal, technical, and educational measures. This initiative, expected to be announced on December 10, aims to provide parents with the necessary tools to supervise their children's internet usage while respecting minors' rights.
With the increasing presence of social media and the risks associated with the early exposure of children to the internet, authorities are working to strengthen legislation regarding the protection of minors. Proposed amendments are being developed to give parents concrete tools to moderate their children's digital access, balancing rights and responsibilities. This initiative, inspired partly by international models, is currently being drafted by the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (TCI) and the Attorney General's Office. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on Friday, November 28.
"Empowering" Parents
The work being conducted for several months within the TCI Ministry, in close collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, addresses a pressing societal need. Statistics indicate a rise in cases of cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and digital dependency among the youth. National reports highlight an increased vulnerability among minors, who often connect from as young as eight years old via smartphones or tablets.
The clear objective is to enable parents to exert stricter control over their children's internet usage, without resorting to intrusive surveillance. According to a well-informed source within the authorities, "On December 10, we will announce the initiative. Its implementation might be immediate."
The core of the project relies on a range of technical and legal measures designed to ensure that "parents decide on the measures they will apply." The approach aims to be balanced: "We want our children to have digital rights but also responsibilities," the source emphasized. Thus, the initiative is not enforced in an authoritarian manner but aims to equip families with the tools they need for moderation suited to their needs. Parents will have the choice to adopt the proposed measures or not.
Three Interconnected Pillars
The amendments outline their action around three complementary pillars, reflecting a holistic vision of online protection.
First, the legal pillar aims to embed these measures within a strengthened normative framework. Specific provisions will be integrated into existing telecommunications legislation (ICT Act) and data protection laws, with potential sanctions for operators that do not facilitate their implementation. This includes clarifying the responsibilities of digital platforms and internet service providers, aligned with international privacy standards.
Next, the technical pillar serves as the operational backbone. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)—such as Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, and Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Ltd (MTML)—will play a central role in practical implementation. "All phones operate via SIM cards," noted the source, emphasizing that these mobile identification cards will become the primary vehicle for parental controls. Operators will provide facilities for parents to manage restrictions. For instance, an option may limit the daily usage time for minor users, configurable by parents. However, it is not yet confirmed whether this option will be included in the amendments.
Finally, the educational pillar complements the whole by promoting increased awareness. Public campaigns will aim to educate parents and children about good digital practices. The goal is to cultivate shared responsibility, ensuring that minors' digital rights—such as access to information and expression—are not sacrificed for paternalistic protection.
This triptych illustrates a nuanced approach, avoiding the pitfalls of overly rigid regulation that could stifle innovation or stigmatize families. The proposed measures could—though it's not yet certain—offer a "range" of options: blocking specific sites, filtering sensitive content (like pornography or hate speech), real-time alerts for risky interactions, or age-appropriate screen time quotas. All of this will be voluntary, respecting the diversity of family contexts.
International Inspirations
This project is not emerging from a vacuum. It draws inspiration from foreign models where similar measures are already in place. Countries like the UK and Australia have pioneered hybrid regimes combining legal obligations with technical tools, demonstrating their impact on reducing harmful exposures. At the European level, the Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes greater due diligence on platforms concerning minors, a framework the government is examining for local adaptation.
An increasing number of countries are exploring ways to make the internet safer for minors and combat cyber dependency among children and adolescents, who sometimes spend several hours daily on social media at the expense of their mental health.