Internet Has Become a Digital Battleground for Kids – and 69% of Them Are Coming Out Bruised!
Did you know that nearly seven out of ten children in Europe have had at least one negative experience online in the past year? Yes, you read that right – 69%! Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak, appointed as the rapporteur for the European People’s Party on the impact of social media on youth, reveals that millions of minors use digital platforms daily that are not equipped to protect them from manipulation, abuse, and harmful content.
Kids Trapped in a Digital Maze
Research shows that every third internet user aged 13 to 17 spends a staggering 8 hours and 39 minutes daily in front of screens! Imagine that – almost half a day in a digital world where algorithms serve content that can harm them. Glavak emphasizes she will push for the full criminalization of online abuse because this has become a serious problem that cannot be ignored.
Who’s to Blame? Social Media or Us?
The platforms kids use every day wield enormous power but also bear huge responsibility. The report from the Committee on Culture and Education will cover the impact of algorithmically generated content on young people’s mental health, platform responsibility for removing harmful content, and the application of safety-by-design principles. It will also stress the need to include media literacy and digital resilience in education.
European Commission Under Fire – Time to Act!
This document is not just another paper – it’s a political call to the European Commission to urgently act and protect children and youth in the digital space. Glavak states that protecting children cannot be left solely to parents, who are often powerless against technological advances. Clear regulation and greater social media accountability are needed.
Age Limits and Verification Apps – New Weapons in the Fight
Many EU member states already advocate setting age limits for access to certain online content. Glavak announces that an age verification app and a digital wallet will soon be introduced, laying the groundwork for protecting children from inappropriate content. Additionally, an action plan against online violence will be presented early next year.
Why Does This Matter?
Imagine every third teenager spending nearly nine hours a day online, exposed to manipulation, abuse, and harmful content. These aren’t just numbers – these are lives, mental health, and the future of our children. If we don’t act now, the digital world will become an even more dangerous place for the youngest among us.
Conclusion: It’s Time for a Digital War Against Abuse!
The European Union must stand up to irresponsible social media platforms and make child protection a priority. Full implementation of existing laws, new age verification technologies, and action plans are just the first steps. If we don’t want our kids to be victims of digital violence, we all need to get involved – from lawmakers to parents and the platforms themselves.
So, how many hours a day do your kids spend online? Do you think they’re safe? Drop a comment, share your experience, or just say – who do you think is the biggest culprit in this digital drama? The internet isn’t a playground, but if we don’t care, it’ll turn into a no-rules fight ring!
