Barbara Nowacka reported that approximately 1.5 million children aged 7-13 use applications that contain inappropriate content affecting their development, sparking a call for educational and legal reforms in Poland.
Barbara Nowacka, the head of Poland's Ministry of Education, addressed a critical issue concerning the exposure of children aged 7-13 to inappropriate content in applications. She revealed that around 1.5 million children in this age group are using apps with harmful materials, which contribute to significant challenges for the younger generation. These applications include content that promotes substance abuse and features comments that are discriminatory or hateful, raising alarms about the psychological impact on children.
In her remarks, Nowacka highlighted the dangers posed by social media, where young people face constant bombardment from hate speech and misinformation. She emphasized the necessity of a multi-faceted response to this problem, suggesting that solely educational initiatives, while essential, are insufficient. The Ministry's proposed solution, dubbed the "Compass of Tomorrow," aims to introduce new curriculum modules focusing on media education, digital hygiene, and responsible use of new technologies in schools to equip children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.
The discussion in Poland regarding potential restrictions on children's access to harmful content has sparked broader debate about the responsibilities of technology companies and the role of regulation in protecting young users. As the Ministry seeks to implement these reforms, it brings to light the growing concerns about digital safety and the importance of fostering a healthier online environment for future generations.
