Government has called on Zambian youths to embrace responsible and developmental use of social media, raising concern over the increasing circulation of obscene content and hate speech on digital platforms.

Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts Principal Public Relations Officer Nchimunya Ng’andu  said that young people can use social media for entrepreneurship and income generation, citing American YouTuber IShowSpeed as an example of productive online content.

Mr Ng’andu stressed that inappropriate use of social media can negatively affect a person’s future, noting that many employers review an individual’s online presence before offering employment, which can damage one’s professional profile.

He has further said the Ministry has continued to engage young people through town hall meetings where issues such as substance and alcohol abuse, as well as the responsible use of social media, are discussed to promote positive youth development.