Experts discuss age limits for social media, citing risks to youth online and calls for stronger digital protection across Europe.
🔗 Read the article on delfi.lt
[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]
Experts highlight that the internet carries numerous risks with both economic and personal consequences, emphasizing the need for heightened attention to child safety online. Several European countries are considering or implementing restrictions on social media use for younger individuals; Denmark plans to ban social media for those under 15 despite many children already using them, while Bulgaria is initiating discussions on a similar ban due to evidence of harmful effects. Austria has also seen ongoing debates regarding bans, partly spurred by a tragic incident involving a teenager with extensive social media presence. Experts suggest that current age verification standards are inadequate, as minors often misrepresent their ages online. Recommendations from bodies like Denmark’s Council of Elders suggest limiting social media use for those under 15 and delaying smart device access until age 13. Concerns raised include negative impacts on mental and physical health, data privacy issues, and disinformation. While some experts advocate for stricter regulations, the Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour notes that bans often lack effective control mechanisms and stresses the need for education and support systems. The European Union is strengthening child protection through initiatives like the Digital Services Act, recommending age verification tools and establishing a framework where member states can set minimum digital maturity ages between 13 and 16.
