Legal experts in the Lithuanian Parliament are skeptical about a proposal to ban children under 16 from social media, viewing it as largely symbolic.
The proposal by MP Daiva UlbinaitΔ, aimed at prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media without parental consent, has raised significant concerns among legal experts in Lithuania. They argue that such legislation is difficult to enforce effectively and may only serve as a declaration of intent rather than a practical solution to protect minors online. The feasibility of this initiative is called into question, particularly because current platforms operate under various jurisdictions, complicating enforcement efforts at the national level.
The Legal Department of the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) comments that if age restrictions were imposed at a broader level, such as within the European Union, the situation would be different. This suggests that while the Lithuanian proposal is a step towards better safeguarding minors, its practical implications are limited without wider international cooperation and stringent enforcement measures. The proposal reflects growing concerns over the impact of social media on youth, yet raises questions about how effectively any legal measures can be put into practice.
Ultimately, while the intention behind the proposal is commendable, the obstacles to its implementation highlight the complexity of governing internet usage, especially when it involves services provided by global platforms based outside of Lithuania. This brings to light the need for collaborative regional or international approaches to address online safety for minors more effectively.
