Von der Leyen: ‘Social media is not a toy’. Draft legislation for young people to be introduced in the autumn
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has presented the expert panel’s guidelines on the protection of children online
From our correspondent Beda Romano
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BRUSSELS – The European Commission confirmed today, Monday 13 July, that it intends to present a legislative proposal this autumn to regulate young people’s access to the internet, and in particular to social media. The EU Commission’s forthcoming proposal will be based on recommendations put forward by a group of experts, who, in a report, suggest a gradual and harmonised approach, depending on age and content.
“Social media is not a toy,” warned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference here in Brussels, emphasising that much research highlights the harm caused by spending excessive amounts of time in front of a screen. Almost 60 per cent of young people report emotional and psychological problems, difficulty sleeping and anxiety. On average, young people spend between four and six hours a day in front of a screen.
The report published today suggests a gradual approach
Children under the age of three should not have access to any screens. Children aged between 3 and 13 should only have access to the internet under adult supervision and for a limited time. From the age of 13 up to 18, young people should be allowed access to the internet provided the content is appropriate and the platform complies with current legislation, for example regarding the ban on infinite scrolling of images.
When asked during the press briefing, Ms von der Leyen described the approach proposed by the expert group led by researchers Jörg M. Fegert and Maria Melchior as ‘very convincing’. Furthermore, the President of the European Commission took the opportunity to acknowledge that a legislative proposal is now urgently needed to prevent fragmentation of the single market. Indeed, some national governments have already begun to introduce legislation in this area.
The minimum age of 13 is lower than that set in Australia or the United Kingdom, which have set the minimum age at 16, or in France, which has opted for a limit of 15. Experts have explained that the choice of 13 is based on scientific evidence. They have also noted that in Australia, for example, the 16-year-old limit has proved to be too high, to the extent that it is being circumvented by younger people. This is not a trivial matter, as it could complicate the aim of harmonising national legislation.
