The European Union wants to introduce age restrictions for children on using social networks. The French government has called on Poland, which will chair the Council of the EU in January, to establish restrictions on access to relevant platforms.
This is reported by 24 Channel with reference to Politico. France already has a nationwide bill that would ban social media for users under 15.
EU may restrict children's access to social media
French officials believe they should follow Australia's example, which has banned social media for those under 16. The idea was voiced by French Education Minister Anne Genet at a meeting of EU education and youth ministers. She says the issue is an “emergency” and needs to be addressed urgently.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also called for a minimum age of 15 for social media. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has launched a European-wide study into the impact of social media on the mental health of young people.
France proposes to prevent children from having access to gadgets until they are three years old, and to prevent children from being left alone with screens between the ages of 3 and 6 without parental supervision. Children should also not use mobile phones until they are 11, and social networks – up to 15 years old.
Is there a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools in Europe
- Schools in Europe are introducing stricter restrictions on the use of mobile phones, and in some countries they are banning their use in school walls altogether.
- In France, 200 educational institutions are already testing a system for banning the use of phones, and from next year this rule will be extended to all schoolchildren.
- Countries that restrict the use of gadgets in schools – Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, etc.
- In Italy and Greece, children can have mobile phones at school, but are not allowed to use them in the classroom.
- Some countries also restrict the right to use social networks. For example, in Australia.