The Dutch government has issued guidelines banning access to social media for children under 15, while Italy is introducing a complete ban on mobile phone use in schools starting next year. These measures are part of a broader trend within the European Union aimed at protecting the mental health and development of children and adolescents. France, Greece, Spain, and other countries also support stricter rules. The European Commission has published guidelines to protect minors online, but many member states feel the pace of progress is unsatisfactory. School bans include disciplinary sanctions for rule violations, with exceptions for students with special needs. The importance of education on responsible use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in learning is also emphasized.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the mental health risks and developmental challenges posed by excessive social media and mobile phone use among children. They support government intervention and stricter regulations to protect children’s well-being and advocate for comprehensive education on digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, acknowledging both the benefits and risks of digital technology for children. They highlight the need for measured policies that protect children while allowing them to develop digital skills. They focus on the importance of guidelines, parental involvement, and school enforcement of rules with reasonable exceptions.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the importance of personal responsibility and parental control over children’s technology use. They may be skeptical of broad government bans, emphasizing the role of schools and families in managing technology use. They also stress the importance of discipline and maintaining order in schools, supporting bans as a means to improve academic performance.