Minister vows stronger social media regulation to protect youth.
Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said that the government is actively engaging with key stakeholders to regulate harmful social media content and shield the country's youth from digital distractions.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a publication programme held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the Faculty of Fine Arts premises of Dhaka University (DU).
During his address, the minister highlighted growing global trends of restricting social media access for teenagers under 14 to 16 years of age to counter the negative impacts of excessive screen time.
"Today, young people are drifting away from reading books due to excessive smartphone usage," the minister said, adding that harmful and vulgar content across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, alongside the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is disrupting family peace.
"The ICT Ministry is collaborating with social media companies and relevant stakeholders to establish proper oversight and safeguard our future generation," he added.
Emphasizing the crucial role of reading and preserving local heritage, the minister urged the new generation to read more books and learn about historical figures who contributed significantly to nation-building and social welfare.
He further noted that public service and community initiatives must be highlighted to inspire youth toward positive social action.
