On Safer Internet Day, observed annually on February 10, officials and experts highlighted growing alarm over the impact of social media on young users. A Polish study found teens spend more than three hours daily on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with many holding up to six accounts.
Australia in December became the first country to ban social media use for those under 16. Violations could result in fines of up to EUR 28 million for tech companies. Inspired by that move, Poland is considering similar legislation that would prohibit access to social media for children under 15. A draft law is expected by the end of February, backed by Education Minister Barbara Nowacka and lawmakers from the governing centrist Civic Coalition party.
“We are modeling this on Australia,” Nowacka said on January 15, adding that Poland sees 15 as a more appropriate threshold than 16. “We expect big tech to stop exposing children to harmful content.”
Similar measures are being debated across Europe:
- France: On January 26, the National Assembly approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. It awaits Senate approval.
- Denmark: In November, the government and opposition agreed on a ban for those under 15, allowing access for 13–15-year-olds with parental consent.
- Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed on February 3 to shield minors from the “digital Wild West” and hold platform leaders accountable for illegal content.
- Slovenia: Officials are drafting legislation to ban social media for users under 15, following other European models.
- Sweden: Experts have been tasked with evaluating age restrictions.
- Greece: According to Reuters, the country is close to announcing a ban.
- United Kingdom: Authorities are weighing measures, including age verification tools, stricter rules on phone use in schools, and limits on “infinite scrolling.”
In the EU, the push follows a November 2023 resolution by the European Parliament highlighting the risks of online content to minors’ physical and mental health. A Eurobarometer survey found 93% of Europeans support urgent action to protect children online, and a similar number believe social media platforms negatively affect young users.
Malaysia is also planning to adopt a similar social media age ban by 2026.
(jh)
Source: PAP