Social media: New age limits to protect children in Europe!

Social media: New age limits to protect children in Europe!

In an increasingly digital world, the European Union is looking for solutions to protect children from the potential dangers of social media. The Commission urges a number of EU countries, including Greece, Spain and Belgium, to determine clear guidelines for a minimum age when using social media. These endeavors are supported by current developments in Australia, where a law has been adopted that only permits social media for people aged 16 and over. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes the concerns of parents who are concerned about the effects of social networks on their children. The initiative aims to protect children from violence, cyberbullying and addictive content. tagesschau.de reports that similar regulations are also discussed in other countries.

In France, legislation is already a bit stricter. Children under the age of 15 need the approval of their parents to create a social media account. President Emmanuel Macron calls for a Europe -wide age review for social networks to ensure a uniform procedure. In Germany, the Bundestag will soon stop a hearing on retirement in social media. The initiative "Smarter Start from 14" has already found broad support.

protection through the digital services act

The EU Commission is working in parallel on a law on digital services (Digital Services Act, DSA), which will be responsible for online platforms in the future. This also includes the need for an improved age check on platforms that provide content for children. Verena Holler from the initiative draws attention to the insufficient protection of children from harmful content and demands more determined measures.

A central aspect of the DSA will be the development of a new EU app for the age test. This app should regulate access to online content without endangering the privacy of users. Instead, only the minimum age is transmitted. The start of this app is planned for the coming summer. Denmark will take over the Presidency of Council in July and plan to put the protection of children on the Internet as an important concern.

right to digital participation

The Federal Center for Child and Youth Media Protection (BZKJ) pursues a differentiated approach. It emphasizes the right of children and adolescents in digital participation and a safe exploration of digital spaces. According to Sebastian Gutknecht, director of the BZKJ, children must not be excluded from social media. A general ban for under 16 year olds is considered too largely. Instead, the focus is on digital children's rights and the responsibility of the providers. These must develop more securely platforms and also take into account the provisions of the Youth Protection Act and the DSA. bzkj.de To promote media use.