DODOMA, June 1 -- THE Tanzanian government has expressed concern over the rising use of electronic devices among children in Tanzania, warning that increased access to smartphones is exposing minors to inappropriate content and heightening the risk of online abuse.

The Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Dorothy Gwajima revealed this at the parliament in Dodoma on Monday when presenting the budget for the 2026/27 financial year stating that studies show that 67 per cent of children aged between 12 and 17 use smartphones, with four per cent reporting exposure to various forms of online abuse.

Additionally, the minister said that the government has stepped up interventions to strengthen child protection in...