Poland's Minister of Education, Barbara Nowacka, has announced significant measures to address the alarming psychological issues stemming from social media usage among children, including mental health problems and cyberbullying. The proposed regulations aim to limit access to social media for individuals under the age of 15, reflecting the government's acknowledgment of the need for stronger protections for minors online. Nowacka firmly stated that the state can no longer ignore the detrimental effects that social media has on young users, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The draft legislation is designed not to penalize children or their parents but to hold digital platforms accountable for their role in the increasing presence of minors online. This proactive approach shifts the burden of responsibility from users to the companies profiting from underage participation. The proposal emphasizes that social media firms have long reaped financial benefits from the engagement of young users, raising ethical questions about their responsibilities in providing a safer online environment.

Oversight of the new regulations will be managed by a digital services coordinator under the European Digital Services Act (DSA). This structure ensures compliance and allows for substantial financial penalties against companies that fail to adhere to the new guidelines. The implications of these changes could be far-reaching, potentially affecting how social media platforms operate and engage with younger audiences while fostering a safer digital landscape for children in Poland.