Poland wants to ban the use of social media for those under 15 years old
Poland is planning to ban social media for users under 15 and will hold platforms responsible for verifying users' ages.
Poland is following the trend set by other countries to impose restrictions on social media users under the age of 15. The Polish government, led by the Citizens' Platform, is set to present a draft law detailing these measures, which would enforce penalties on social media platforms failing to comply with age verification standards. This initiative aims to safeguard the mental health and cognitive abilities of minors, as echoed by Education Minister Barbara Novak, who connects the rising rates of mental health issues among the youth to social media usage.
The proposed law may come into effect by early 2027, indicating a long-term commitment by the Polish government to address youth wellbeing in the digital age. Minister Novak emphasizes that the penalties for non-compliance remain under discussion, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that addresses both safety and operational feasibility for social media platforms. This legislative move aligns with a growing concern among various European nations about the impact of social media on young people's mental health.
Several European countries, including Denmark, Greece, Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, are also contemplating similar restrictions, reflecting a broader regional trend towards stricter controls of social media access for minors. As discussions continue in Poland and other nations, the implications of such laws may set significant precedents in digital policy and child protection on a wider scale.