Rising Concerns Related to Social Media Regulations
The concern about the adverse impact on children’s mental health is rising.
A Reuters report claims that nations like Spain, Greece, Britain, and France are thinking of implementing strict laws about how kids should have access to social networks.
Australia became the first nation to outlaw social media use by those under the age of sixteen, which raised the debate.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš supported the ongoing discussion in the European Parliament on a ban on social media for those under 15.
As per Reuters, in his speech, Babis expressed his views by supporting the ban on social media use, which is “terribly harmful to children.” And they might announce social media legislation later this year.
Child Safety and Mental Health Concerns
Social media regulations are mainly driven by concerns about children’s mental health.
The excessive use of social media causes sleeping issues and affects the emotional well-being of children.
Addiction to social media, cyberbullying, and access to inappropriate digital content are issues related to the use of social media, and European tech policy is constantly moving around these issues.
Moreover, concern among parents regarding children’s online safety is being addressed by the governments through legislation.
Advocates of the ban assert that ensuring children’s online safety is significant.
However, some experts believe that the ban may reduce children’s exposure to digital learning.
How a Ban Could Be Implemented
For the implementation, the social media platforms held themselves responsible, and they considered adding an age verification system.
Governments are considering digital applications and online controls to prevent children from creating accounts.
However, children may still get around the controls through shared accounts, VPNs, and wrong birth dates.
The European Union is developing an age verification app and a European digital identity (eID) wallet to let children abide by the Social Media Regulations.
Future Outlook
The Czech Republic proposal is still being evaluated, but it explains the approach of governments to social media platforms and underage users.
Furthermore, European tech policy will emphasize the protection of minors, individual privacy rights, and practicality.
It is evident that protecting children, either through bans or regulations, has become a regulatory challenge for tech companies and policymakers.