Dutch suggest social media ban for under-15s

THE HAGUE: The Dutch government on Tuesday advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat, the latest country to propose curbs over mental health concerns.

The advice, which is non-binding, comes after Australia and New Zealand proposed social media bans for under-16s, and several European countries have issued similar guidelines. “Intensive screen and social media use can be bad for the (mental) health and development of children,” said the Dutch ministry for health, wellbeing and sport.

“Think of sleeping problems, panic attacks, depressive symptoms, reduced concentration and a negative self-image.” The ministry distinguished between smartphone use, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, and social media apps like TikTok. Children younger than their last year of primary school (typically 11 or 12) should not be allowed a smartphone, the government advised.

From secondary school (age 12 or 13), message apps should be permitted but no social media apps before 15, according to the guidelines. “A step-by-step approach helps: first learn to communicate via chat, then get acquainted with social media,” said the government. The ministry also issued guidelines on screen time: none at all before the age of two, while children over 12 should not be in front of a screen for more than three hours.