(26 January 2026 | Source: Official channel of the Centre for Combating Disinformation of the CCA under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
The Centre for Combating Disinformation has recorded publications claiming that the country is supposedly toughening penalties for parents “for fostering harmful habits in children.” The authors of such materials often use their own interpretations of the law and subjective assessments, without referencing official explanations or law enforcement practice.
WHY THEY DO THIS
According to the centre, such wording is used to attract attention and increase engagement. Legal norms are presented as repressive, which may create a sense of anxiety and distrust of state institutions among the audience.
WHAT THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS SAYS
As explained by the administrative police committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, liability is provided under Article 127 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan — for failure to fulfil parental responsibilities.
This is not about ‘harmful habits’, but about systemic violations, such as alcohol abuse, lack of proper living conditions for a child, or behaviour that negatively affects their development.
HOW THE DECISION IS MADE
Liability is not applied automatically. Each case is examined individually, and a decision is made exclusively by the court, taking into account all the circumstances.
CALL FROM THE CENTRE
Journalists and bloggers were urged to work correctly with legislation, request comments from authorised bodies, and not disseminate simplified or alarming interpretations that could mislead citizens.