As teenagers increasingly engage in online activities, they face myriad dangers, including hate speech, suicidal content, and sexual exploitation. In response to these issues, the Polish government is planning to implement a ban on social media access for minors through the use of age verification. This initiative has sparked a debate about the responsibility of tech companies and the effectiveness of such measures in protecting vulnerable youth. Reports indicate that a significant number of young people have encountered serious issues online, such as bullying and harassment, prompting public concern.

A publication from NASK highlights alarming statistics where 20% of surveyed teens reported experiences of impersonation by friends, nearly 30% witnessed peer humiliation, and 51% faced insults regarding their appearance. Despite the fact that many social media platforms set a minimum age of 13 for use, a report indicates that 58% of users in Poland aged between 7 and 12 years engage with these platforms. This empty age verification mechanism raises further issues since many children are exposed to online dangers despite existing regulations.

Critics argue that the focus on age verification may constitute a misguided approach, penalizing young users instead of addressing the root causes of online harassment and abusive content. While it is important to protect minors from digital threats, the suggestions by authorities may inadvertently shift the responsibility away from platforms, where a significant portion of the problem originates. With trends indicating rising concern about youth online interactions, the ongoing dialogue around age verification in Poland reflects a growing urgency to find effective solutions to safeguard vulnerable groups.