Slovakia is joining a growing international conversation about protecting young people online, as President Peter Pellegrini has publicly raised the possibility of restricting social media access for children. Following similar moves in Australia,Denmark,adn France,Pellegrini has called for a professional discussion on potential age limits,suggesting a ban for users under 13 and parental consent for those up to age 15,citing concerns about the impact of social media on childrenS mental health. The proposal comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media’s effects on youth and a broader debate within the European union regarding digital safety standards.
Prezident SR Peter Pellegrini. (Zdroj: Topky/Vlado Anjel)
BRATISLAVA – Are restrictions on social media use for young people on the horizon? A growing number of children are navigating life in both the real world and the digital realm of social networks, prompting concerns about the potential impact on their well-being. Australia has taken the first major step, setting a minimum age of 16 for social media access, and other countries are now considering similar measures, including Slovakia.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini recently raised the issue, stating that the real risks to children necessitate a professional discussion about limiting their access to social media platforms. „Aby sme podľa vzoru vyspelých štátov začali na vysokej odbornej diskutovať o možnom zákaze používania sociálnych sietí pre deti napríklad do 13 rokov, a povedzme do 15 rokov so súhlasom rodičov,“ he said, suggesting a potential ban for children under 13 and access with parental consent up to age 15.
„Videli ste, čo robí s mladými ľuďmi nová digitálna doba – koľko úzkostí im vytvárajú sociálne siete,“ Pellegrini warned. „Je to veľká téma, ale myslím si, že ak chceme ochrániť deti pred tým všetkým, čo ich devastuje, tak je to veľká výzva pre našu politickú scénu. Ja osobne som presvedčený, že by to bol správny krok,“ he added.
(Zdroj: Getty Images)
Australia Sets Age Limit at 16
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Pellegrini’s comments come as the world watches Australia, which is implementing a strict new law regarding social media access on December 10. The Australian government has set a minimum age of 16 for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. Websites such as Pinterest, LegoPlay, and WhatsApp are exempt from the new regulations.
Australia isn’t alone in considering such measures. Denmark’s government announced this month that it will introduce a minimum age of 15 for accessing social media, though parents will be able to allow their children to register on these platforms starting at age 13.
According to the Danish government, the goal is to better protect children and young people in the digital world, where harmful content and commercial interests heavily influence their daily lives and childhoods. The move is intended to give children more time for rest, play, and personal development before creating profiles on networks that carry certain risks. The age limit followed an agreement between left-wing, right-wing, and centrist parties in the country. The specific implementation details and which social media platforms will be affected remain unclear, but the focus will be on the largest platforms.
Denmark is among the first countries in the European Union to take steps to restrict social media for children. Copenhagen, which assumed the EU presidency in July, stated it intends to promote this issue throughout the Union.
The Issue Gains Traction in the EU
The topic is also gaining momentum in France, where prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into TikTok over concerns about insufficient protection of children’s mental health. This marks the first time a criminal prosecution has been initiated in an effort to protect minors on social media, following the findings of a parliamentary commission. The commission also recommended a complete ban on social media for children under 15 in France, and a “digital curfew” for those aged 15 to 18, restricting access to social networks between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
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The debate over age restrictions for social media access is also unfolding within the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during a speech at the UN General Assembly in September, stated that many EU countries „veria, že nastal čas na ‚vek digitálnej dospelosti‘ pre prístup k sociálnym médiám. A musím vám povedať, že ako matka siedmich detí a stará mama piatich detí nám rovnaký názor,“ she said. Alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, she also confirmed plans to create an EU commission to „posúdi, aké kroky majú zmysel na európskej úrovni.“
Germany is also considering restrictions. A survey by the German Institute for Economic Research (IFO) showed that 85 percent of adults in Germany support limiting access to social media for people under 16. According to DPA, it’s surprising that half of those surveyed between the ages of 14 and 17 also support such a step and would favor a law similar to the Australian one.
