The social media scare is forcing the government and authorities to implement immediate actions which could help their future generation from various consequences. The recent press release of the European Commission underpins that the EU has announced the individual European countries to execute the plan of national bans over the social media use for minors. This has been established effectively under the DSA (Digital Services Act) that regulates and improves the online safety of the users.
The movement of banning these social media use for the minors began with the mounting pressure imposed by the EU member states like Denmark, Spain, France and Netherlands. Not all these nations are togetherly agree to the complete ban of social media for children under 15, only France and Netherlands are nodding yes. And Greece explains that instead of banning them they can enforce parental consent as a mandatory one. That contrasts with Denmark who is currently leading the digital policy in the EU council to establish an uniform action.
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Why Do They Push For a Ban?
The widely known information about the side effects of using social media for a longer period can cause disarray to both mental health and the online data safety of the individual. Such reasons are not only threatening but alarming the authorities to act proactively to these raising concerns. And according to information stated in The Guardian, the increase in the cases of children affected by anxiety, depression and low self-worth. The children are forced into the world of cyberbullying, harmful trends and they get the access to witness inappropriate content that is beyond their age across Europe.
“Children’s safety online is our top priority. The draft guidelines we are publishing today under the Digital Services Act will help shape a better and safer online environment for younger users. The wide range of measures will aid the different online platforms in protecting minors’ safety, security, privacy and well-being.” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
Since the age verification method adopted in the social media platforms are found ineffective, parents and the child advocacy groups claim for effective and strong steps that regulate the digital environment healthier for the minors. Thus, the DSA which is in force will help the governments of other European regions to mark a significant shift in protecting children from the clutches of online social media platforms.
