New Age Restrictions for Online Platforms in the Works
Proposed regulations in the European Union could lead to a minimum age requirement for unsupervised social media use. The idea is that young internet users should only have limited access to social media platforms and only under the watchful eye of an adult.
Protecting Our Children from Social Media
The proposal comes from the head of the EU Commission, who strongly believes in the importance of implementing age-appropriate restrictions on social media platforms. She emphasized that the objective is not to prevent children from using social media, but to control when and how social media can interact with our children.
A Report on Social Media Harms
A detailed report was recently prepared by a group of specialists. The report strongly advised that children under the age of 13 should only be allowed limited access to social media, and always under the supervision of an adult. This proposal comes in the wake of a multi-year initiative to address the mental and physical health hazards posed by social media to young users.
Push for Change
Various capitals, including Athens, Copenhagen, and Paris, have been advocating for age restrictions. It's also a topic of interest in non-EU countries such as Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. At present, social media platforms restrict access for users under 13, as they are not in a position to consent to the processing of their data as per EU privacy norms.
Parents Need Control
The proposal also includes the suggestion that parents should have a say when it comes to the age limits on social media. The EU Commission President stated that children should only be exposed to social media under the supervision of parents, caregivers, or teachers, and for limited time periods.
However, she acknowledged that this won't be a perfect solution, and that change takes time. She compared it to the introduction of seat belts for road safety, noting that people eventually altered their behavior for the better.
Looking Beyond Social Media
The EU Commission is also considering age restrictions for other online services. The goal is to identify which platforms could potentially harm minors. The Commission is keen on implementing "phased and gradual access for different age ranges." The head of the Commission emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Childhood won't wait, and once it's gone, we can never give it back."
The expert panel also suggested that children under the age of three should not be exposed to screens. From there, a gradual introduction to social media and other technologies should begin, under supervision, until the age of 13.
Proposed regulations in the European Union could lead to a minimum age requirement for unsupervised social media use. The idea is that young internet users should only have limited access to social media platforms and only under the watchful eye of an adult.
Protecting Our Children from Social Media
The proposal comes from the head of the EU Commission, who strongly believes in the importance of implementing age-appropriate restrictions on social media platforms. She emphasized that the objective is not to prevent children from using social media, but to control when and how social media can interact with our children.
A Report on Social Media Harms
A detailed report was recently prepared by a group of specialists. The report strongly advised that children under the age of 13 should only be allowed limited access to social media, and always under the supervision of an adult. This proposal comes in the wake of a multi-year initiative to address the mental and physical health hazards posed by social media to young users.
Push for Change
Various capitals, including Athens, Copenhagen, and Paris, have been advocating for age restrictions. It's also a topic of interest in non-EU countries such as Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. At present, social media platforms restrict access for users under 13, as they are not in a position to consent to the processing of their data as per EU privacy norms.
Parents Need Control
The proposal also includes the suggestion that parents should have a say when it comes to the age limits on social media. The EU Commission President stated that children should only be exposed to social media under the supervision of parents, caregivers, or teachers, and for limited time periods.
However, she acknowledged that this won't be a perfect solution, and that change takes time. She compared it to the introduction of seat belts for road safety, noting that people eventually altered their behavior for the better.
Looking Beyond Social Media
The EU Commission is also considering age restrictions for other online services. The goal is to identify which platforms could potentially harm minors. The Commission is keen on implementing "phased and gradual access for different age ranges." The head of the Commission emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Childhood won't wait, and once it's gone, we can never give it back."
The expert panel also suggested that children under the age of three should not be exposed to screens. From there, a gradual introduction to social media and other technologies should begin, under supervision, until the age of 13.