Netherlands plans to ban social networks for children under 15

To protect children from the influence of the digital world, Dutch authorities recommend banning children and adolescents under 15 from using social networks like TikTok and Instagram.

According to him:

• Sharply limit children's time spent on mobile devices;

• Prohibition of screen devices in children's dormitories;

• It is emphasized that children under 13 are not allowed to use social networks at all.

Experts from the Dutch Ministry of Health and parliament emphasize that prolonged use of social media:

• sleep disturbance;

• depression;

• anxiety, even panic attacks, lead to negative consequences.

Currently, the use of phones is prohibited in schools in the Netherlands. However, the new recommendations are not yet legally binding.

Similar initiatives are being discussed in other EU countries. Australia is currently the only country where teenagers are legally prohibited from using social networks starting in November 2024.