The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Member of Parliament (MP) of Khengkhar-Weringla Constituency, Dorji Wangmo, raised concerns about the harmful effects of social media during the first question hour session for the Second Session of the Parliament.
While acknowledging the benefits of social media, she highlighted the growing issues of online toxicity, including cyberbullying, scams, and the spread of misinformation. The rise in mental health problems, particularly among young people, was another point of concern, with the tragic case of a young TikTok user’s death by suicide, serving as a stark reminder of the platform’s darker side.
The House was informed by the MP that 2023 alone, Bhutan saw 56 cases of cybercrime and 960 incidents of cyberbullying. According to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), these numbers have continued to rise in 2024, prompting calls for stronger regulation of online spaces.
In response, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Namgyel Dorji, acknowledged the government’s recognition of the challenges posed by unregulated social media.
“As citizens have the fundamental right to use social media, it is crucial for people to understand the importance of using it responsibly,” Lyonpo Namgyel Dorji added.
He explained that, under the Information, Communications, and Media Act of Bhutan 2018, the Media Council of Bhutan was initially tasked with regulating harmful online content. However, following the Civil Service Reform Act of 2022, the Media Council was merged with the Bhutan Information, Communications, and Media Authority (BICMA), which now holds the responsibility of managing digital content.
Lyonpo outlined the measures being taken to address the rise in harmful content. BICMA has already implemented the Rules and Regulations on Content 2019, a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring media content in Bhutan adheres to standards of decency and public appropriateness. These regulations emphasize self-regulation among content creators while encouraging creativity and high-quality production.
As social media usage continues to grow, the ministry is working to strengthen BICMA’s role in overseeing content, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as children and youth from harmful online influences. To this end, the ministry is collaborating with various partners, including the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), the Department of Law and Order (DLO), the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), and other organizations, to conduct public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to promote digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and the protection of personal privacy.
A 2021 study by the Bhutan Media Foundation revealed that spam and inappropriate content are among the most common negative experiences reported by social media users, with many lacking awareness about privacy and ethical issues online. This highlights the importance of educating the public, especially younger users, about digital safety and the consequences of sharing misleading or harmful content.
The ministry is also calling on parents to play an active role in guiding their children’s online experiences. By monitoring internet use and engaging in conversations about safe online habits, parents can help prevent exposure to harmful content. Mainstream media outlets are also being urged to support these efforts by broadcasting educational content on digital safety.
With social media continuing to shape the way we communicate and interact, the call for stronger regulation and greater digital literacy has never been more urgent.
