Poland is moving forward with a proposal to ban social media for children under the age of 15, as announced by Education Minister Barbara Nowacka in an interview with Bloomberg. The proposed legislation aims to hold social media platforms accountable by imposing fines if they fail to restrict access to minors or do not adequately verify users' ages before allowing them to log on. This action reflects growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on the mental health and intellectual development of children and young people.

Minister Nowacka emphasized that Poland is acutely aware of the challenges that social media poses to youth, pointing to observable declines in both their mental well-being and cognitive capabilities. The government’s concern stems from an increasing body of research that links excessive social media use to negative outcomes in young users. The proposed law signifies a proactive step towards regulating digital environments and safeguarding children's health and development in an era dominated by online interactions.

As discussions continue, the specific details regarding the fines for non-compliance by social media platforms are still being debated, with enforcement of the law anticipated to begin in early 2027. This legislative move could set a precedent in Europe, potentially influencing other countries to adopt similar measures in response to the challenges posed by social media on youth.