Friedrich Merzas, while expressing skepticism about outright bans, has emphasized the importance of focusing on protecting children in a digital age where they need adequate time for play, learning, and concentration in school. He noted this perspective during a podcast called "Machtwechsel" where he mentioned that the Lithuanian government is exploring stricter measures concerning minors' access to social media platforms. This debate is part of a larger discussion happening globally regarding the mental health and developmental risks associated with excessive screen time among young people.

As concerns over childhood development and mental health grow, several countries have started actively tightening age restrictions on social media platforms. In Australia, for instance, recent regulations mandate that social media networks like TikTok and YouTube must remove accounts belonging to users under the age of 16, or face significant fines. Such moves are indicative of a worldwide trend aimed at addressing the detrimental effects that prolonged screen time can have on children, emphasizing a preventative approach to safeguard their well-being.

In conjunction with local explorations, Merzas noted that discussions are ongoing with other countries, including India and France, about implementing similar age restriction measures. This collective response highlights a growing acknowledgment among governments that there is an urgent need to create safer online environments for children as the impacts of digital engagement continue to unfold. The proposed regulations serve not only to limit risks associated with social media but also reflect broader societal concerns over the responsibilities of technology companies in monitoring age-specific content and access.