Country · Africa
Zambia: cyberbullying law for schools
Bottom line for counselors: There is no clear legal duty for schools to have anti-bullying rules, so your school's own policy matters most. Takedown help is limited, so report harmful posts to the platform first. Serious online abuse can be a crime.
Last verified: checked against official sources on 11 November 2026.
Country
Zambia
A 2025 cybercrime law makes online harassment and humiliation crimes and adds child online protection.
Compare with anywhere elseProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- No:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
No. We found no national law that requires schools to adopt anti-bullying rules.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. There are no school rules on online bullying, but the Cyber Crimes Act 2025 makes online harassment an offence and includes provisions on child online protection.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. The ICT regulator (ZICTA) has begun using its powers under the Cyber Crimes Act against harmful material online.
Legal detail and sources
Source note: this answer draws on news reporting (ITWeb Africa), not an official legal text. Check the official text before relying on it.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No legal minimum age for social media.
- No:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No national rule found. Schools set their own phone rules.
- Yes:
When is online abuse a crime?
Yes. The Cyber Crimes Act 2025 (in force 12 May 2025) makes it a crime to use digital platforms to harass or humiliate someone, or to send messages meant to cause emotional distress.
Legal detail and sources
Sections 22 and 24. The Law Association of Zambia has challenged several provisions in court.
- No:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
No national anti-bullying training requirement found.
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