Feb 27 • 15:03 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Poland Could Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 15 Years Old

The Polish government is considering a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15 to protect their mental health and safety.

The Polish government is taking steps to draft legislation aimed at restricting social media access for children under 15 years old. This decision comes in response to concerns over children's unrestricted access to online content, including potentially harmful material. During a press conference announcing the guidelines for the proposed bill, an official highlighted the urgent need to implement age verification mechanisms on social media platforms to tackle this pressing issue.

Officials, including Monika Rosa, the head of the Sejm's Committee for Children and Youth, have cited alarming statistics showing that 1.4 million Polish children aged between seven and twelve are currently using social media. The committee's efforts are part of a broader initiative to bolster mental health awareness and promote understanding among children, parents, and Polish society about the dangers associated with social media. Rosa emphasized that reducing access to mobile phones in schools could be part of the solution, indicating a national responsibility towards education and addiction prevention related to technology use.

The proposed ban reflects growing global concerns regarding children's interactions with social media, echoing trends seen in other countries. If enacted, this legislation could significantly reshape the digital landscape for young users in Poland and set a precedent for similar measures in neighboring countries. The emphasis on protective measures aligns with ongoing discussions about digital literacy and the safeguarding of children in an increasingly online world.

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