During the recent World Government Summit in Dubai, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a significant policy change, raising the minimum age for accessing social networks from 14 to 16 years. This move is part of a broader crackdown on social media platforms, which Sánchez criticized as spaces rife with addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation, and violence. His comments underscore a growing concern among governments regarding the effects of social media on the youth, a sentiment echoed in other countries like Australia, which recently implemented similar restrictions.

Research from the University of Navarra indicates that adolescents aged 12 to 17 engage with an average of 5.8 social networks monthly, highlighting how pervasive these platforms are among minors. In Spain, the government is shifting the responsibility of monitoring social media use from parents and schools directly to the state, signaling a more proactive approach to child protection online. This initiative reflects broader global debates on the role of technology companies and the need for regulatory frameworks to protect younger audiences from potential harm associated with social media exposure.

The implications of Sánchez's announcement may resonate far beyond Spain, as other countries look to similar regulatory measures to safeguard children. The challenge remains not only in enforcing these new age limits but also in addressing the underlying issues that lead to youth engagement with harmful online content. As the debate on children and technology continues to evolve, this crusade against social networks represents a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about internet safety and child welfare.