New reality: Poles support restrictions on social media for children
A survey reveals that a significant portion of Poles favor restricting social media access for minors, with various age limits suggested.
Recent survey results indicate that a substantial number of Polish respondents support imposing restrictions on social media use among children. Specifically, 11.1% advocate for a complete ban for minors, while 35.5% believe access should start at 15 years, and 20.9% support starting at 12 years. Additionally, almost a quarter propose that children should only use social platforms with parental permission, indicating widespread concern about minors' exposure to social media. Only 5.2% of participants see no need for restrictions.
Magdalena Bigaj, chairperson of the Digital Citizenship Institute Foundation, emphasized that these survey results reflect a growing social norm favoring restricted access to social media. She pointed out that current limits are often dictated by private platform regulations rather than legal frameworks, suggesting that adults too struggle to adhere to these guidelines. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness and enforcement of guidelines concerning minorsβ engagement in social media activities.
The findings underscore the societal complexities surrounding children's digital engagement, particularly amidst growing concerns about mental health, privacy, and online safety. As society grapples with these issues, the discourse on the regulation of social media for younger users appears critical, with implications for future policies and practices in both educational and legal contexts.