Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has voiced concern over the growing negative influence of social media on young people, warning that many platforms are becoming increasingly pornographic and harmful to moral development.
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In his remarks, Mudenda said the growing exposure of minors to explicit material on digital platforms called for stronger national intervention. “Social media platforms are increasingly pornographic,” he said, highlighting the urgent need to protect young users from inappropriate online content.
The Speaker pointed to Australia’s regulatory framework as an example of proactive governance. “Australia is implementing strict age verification laws that place a legal obligation on platforms to prevent minors from accessing age-inappropriate and adult content,” he noted. He urged Zimbabwe to consider adopting similar measures to mitigate the harmful effects of unregulated online content.
While acknowledging the vulnerability of the youth, Mudenda stressed that the problem extended beyond them, noting that social, cultural, and institutional factors also played a role. “While youth are vulnerable, broader societal factors also contribute to the problem, suggesting that responsibility lies beyond the younger generation,” he said.
The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing concern over the influence of social media on behaviour, values, and mental health among Zimbabwean youth. His call adds weight to ongoing discussions about the need for stronger digital safety and age-control mechanisms in the country’s information and communication policy framework.
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