Ministry official: Children face higher risk of cyberbullying on social media

Children are more likely to be exposed to cyberbullying and other negative influences on social networks, according to Aynura Zeynalova, an official of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Health, Report informs.

Speaking during the public discussion of the draft law on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, the laws "On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information" and "On Protection of Children from Harmful Information," organized by the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) of Azerbaijan, Zeynalova highlighted that the ban reflected in the draft law does not apply to platforms related to children's education or productive use of their time:

"This means that a student attending school will be able to use programs appropriate to their mindset and psychology. The bans are intended to be applied on TikTok and other social networks. On these platforms, children are more likely to be exposed to suicide, terrorism, and cyberbullying. At the same time, it is easier to coerce children into something through those networks."

She noted that most likely, certain alternatives will also be provided in place of these bans. "Thanks to those alternatives, the bans to be implemented will not affect children's psychology."