4 February 2026 – SAYWHAT notes the ongoing public debate and growing concern surrounding the circulation of explicit digital content on social media, including material shared by certain online personalities whose content has recently gone viral and is being widely accessed by young people in Zimbabwe. National regulatory bodies, including the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), have expressed serious concern about explicit digital content being accessed by audiences in Zimbabwe, especially children, and have reiterated the obligation of all content creators to uphold public morality and protect young people from harmful material. BAZ has further emphasized that all digital content consumed in Zimbabwe – regardless of the platform must comply with national laws and safeguard the psychological development of children.

As an organisation committed to advancing young people’s wellbeing and now embracing Digital Health as our fourth pillar, SAYWHAT recognizes that young people increasingly learn, interact and explore their identities online. While digital platforms offer opportunities for expression, creativity and connection, they also expose adolescents to sexualized content that may influence their mental health, shape attitudes towards sexuality, and in some cases pressure them into risky behaviours. BAZ has warned that such content may be harmful to children’s moral and psychological development. 

In line with our mandate, SAYWHAT affirms the right of young people to access information, including reproductive health information, in safe, age appropriate and responsible ways. The current situation reflects broader challenges around digital safety, media literacy, online behaviour, and the responsibilities of both content creators and platforms. It also highlights gaps in parental guidance, youth digital literacy, and mental health support.

OUR POSITION

1. We do not support the exposure of minors to explicit content on any digital platforms.
2. We advocate for responsible digital citizenship, where creators understand the impact of their content on young audiences.
3. We emphasize the importance of mental and sexual health protection for students and young people in all online spaces.
4. We acknowledge the concerns raised by BAZ and support efforts aimed at safeguarding young people from harmful online material.

We remain dedicated to promoting the health, dignity and rights of students and young people across Africa. As we strengthen our Digital Health pillar, we urge all stakeholders -parents, creators, platforms, government and youth themselves – to work together in shaping a safer and healthier digital environment.

Young people deserve online spaces that inform, empower and protect them.