In the Czech Republic, a possible ban on social networks for children under the age of 15 is being discussed. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has spoken out in favour of regulations based on the French model. Discussions on the matter are already under way within the government.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has expressed support for banning the use of social networks for children under 15. In a video on Facebook, he said he supported such an approach following France’s example. Some experts believe that social networks are harmful to children. Several countries are currently considering similar measures.
“I am in favour of it because experts I know say that it is extremely harmful for children. We must protect our children,” the Prime Minister said.
Deputy Prime Minister and ANO deputy leader Karel Havlíček said on the programme Partie Terezie Tománkové on CNN Prima News that the government was seriously examining a ban on social networks for children under 15. If a final decision is taken, the government intends to present a corresponding proposal later this year, Havlíček said.
According to him, the coalition is currently holding talks with experts and, among others, telecommunications providers. Social networks were destroying children’s lives, Havlíček said. MEP Alexandr Vondra (ODS) said in the same debate that he had been dealing with the issue for some time but had not yet formed a final opinion.
“On the one hand, I understand this very well. On the other, the question is how to implement it without infringing the fundamental right to privacy,” Vondra cautioned.
Australia already banned access to social networks for children under 16 last December. Similar restrictions are also being discussed or prepared in Denmark, Slovenia, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom.
In France, the National Assembly passed a law last month prohibiting children under 15 from using social networks. The European Parliament has also called for stricter limits on children’s and adolescents’ access to social media platforms.