Feb 24 • 10:32 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

Nowacka: access to social media for children under 15 will be restricted

Poland's Minister of Education announces plans to restrict social media access for children under 15 due to inadequate age verification.

The Polish Minister of Education has expressed concern over the current state of age restrictions on social media platforms, citing that many children, even those as young as five, are able to access content inappropriate for their age. The Minister criticized the existing age limits as a 'fiction,' highlighting a significant gap between policy and practice that leaves children vulnerable to unsuitable material. This acknowledgment has prompted the government to propose legislative changes to enforce stricter rules on social media access.

A draft law aimed at imposing clear and enforceable regulations regarding social media access for those under 15 is expected to be presented within days. The proposed legislation seeks to model its provisions on measures already adopted in other countries, where the responsibility of verifying user age has shifted from parents and educational institutions to social media operators. This shift is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to harmful content that can affect their development and sensitivity.

Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of raising the age limit, highlighting the challenges in enforcement and the necessity of comprehensive solutions that protect children in the digital age. Nevertheless, the government's initiative reflects a growing concern about the impact of unrestricted access to social media on young individuals, emphasizing the need for greater oversight and responsibility on the part of social media companies to safeguard minors from inappropriate content.

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