Social Media and Minors: The Debate Resurfaces in Mauritius

Title: Social Media and Minors: The Debate Resurfaces in Mauritius

Date: Mon, December 15, 2025 - 3:00 PM

Australia has taken a significant step in cybersecurity and the protection of minors by banning access to social media for those under 16 years old. This measure came into effect on December 10.

Australian authorities present this move as a response to the increasing risks associated with cyberbullying, digital addiction, and early exposure to harmful content. This decision has sparked widespread reactions globally. In Mauritius, this initiative reignites the debate on how to better protect youth in the digital space while respecting fundamental rights.

The issue was raised in the National Assembly during the session on Tuesday, December 2, through a parliamentary question addressing online risks, cyberbullying, and digital violence, which are sometimes linked to human tragedies. During this occasion, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul, acknowledged a steady increase in incidents related to cybercrime over the past three years, particularly affecting children, adolescents, and vulnerable individuals.

While reminding that the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act 2021 already includes deterrent legal provisions, the minister indicated that the government is currently working on amendments to this legislation to better address the rapidly evolving digital threats. He also confirmed that the possibility of establishing an independent online safety regulator, inspired by foreign models, is being analyzed and consulted upon.

However, regarding the sensitive issue of restricting social media for those under 16 years, the minister adopts a measured approach. "Australia has its own context. In Mauritius, we are exploring the various options available to us, but it is clear that we will not go in that direction," the minister stated. According to him, a complete ban would raise numerous challenges, particularly concerning technical feasibility, privacy protection, and respect for freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. He also believes that such a restriction could have the unintended effect of pushing minors towards unregulated platforms that are harder to monitor.

Nevertheless, the minister aims to reassure and emphasizes the government's commitment to strengthening digital security without overstepping or stigmatizing youth. He recalls that the Cyber Child Online Protection program was recently launched to better regulate children's access to digital content. In this regard, new measures are expected in the coming months, particularly through technological updates on routers and internet access systems, enabling more effective limitations on exposure to dangerous or illegal content.

These developments will be subject to extensive consultations. Following an initial session held in March with non-governmental organizations and youth, a new series of discussions is planned. This time, it will involve participation from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Protection. For the minister, these exchanges are essential to reach balanced decisions based on dialogue and inclusion. "This will be a genuine sharing of ideas, but also a foundation for future decisions," explains Avinash Ramtohul, clarifying that any developments will occur transparently, with a review of laws if necessary. He emphasizes that digital stability is inseparable from the social and economic stability of the country.

For the government, the objective is clear: to protect children and youth from the pitfalls of digital technology without compromising fundamental freedoms or hindering digital inclusion. It is a delicate balance, deemed essential at a time when digital platforms play a central role in daily life.

Ritesh Poliah: "Mauritius Cannot Simply Copy This Model"

For educator Ritesh Rao Poliah, Mauritius cannot adopt as radical a measure as the ban on social media for those under 16, due to social, cultural, and legal constraints specific to the country. According to him, while the issue of digital safety for youth is legitimate, the response cannot be one of restriction.

In Mauritius, he explains, mobile phones among youth are no longer seen as a luxury. "It’s not a necessity; it has become an obligation, with long-term negative effects." The device is now deeply embedded in adolescents' daily lives, whether for communication, accessing information, or even certain school activities.

The educator reminds us that Australia is not the only country to have instituted restrictions. "Japan has also implemented a "Mobile Restriction" system for ages 12-15, especially during class hours and certain hours at night," he points out. However, these measures are based on different legal and societal frameworks. In Mauritius, he believes, such an approach could provoke significant apprehensions.

He cites the example of the internet disruption in 2024, which caused notable distress among many youths. "We saw teenagers suffering because they could no longer connect. This shows how entrenched the dependency already is." According to him, Mauritian laws are not suited for such a decision, making any ban difficult to enforce.

Ritesh Poliah highlights the negative consequences of excessive mobile phone and social media use, both personally and educationally. He notes an increase in cases of bullying and online harassment, phenomena that are now affecting increasingly younger age groups. "In recent months, several alarming situations have been reported. These are signals that should not be ignored," he asserts.

For the educator, the solution lies primarily in a comprehensive approach combining targeted restrictions, educational guidance, and constant dialogue. "There must be genuine consultation between authorities and parents to better understand the issues and act coherently." He advocates for collective responsibility rather than a blanket ban.