Social Media: Netherlands government recommends that children under 15 years of age should stay away from TikTok and Instagram..

The Netherlands government on Tuesday advised parents not to allow children under the age of 15 to use social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This recommendation has been made given the increasing cases of mental and physical problems in children, including panic attacks, depression, and sleep problems.

Health Ministry's warning and suggestion
The Netherlands' Health Ministry has also urged parents to set time limits on children's electronic device use, keep phones and laptops out of the bedroom, and provide at least two hours of outdoor activity after every 20 minutes of screen time.

Emphasis on digital addiction and media awareness
Acting Deputy Minister Vincent Carremans wrote in a letter to parliament that this advice gives children time to develop digital resilience and media literacy. Carremans is one of the few ministers who will remain in office until the election in October after the recent government dissolution.

Difference between social media and chat apps
The government's guidelines (which are not binding) distinguish social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram from messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal. The government says social media platforms have highly engaging and addictive features, which hurt children. According to the recommendation, children can use messaging services from the age of 13 (when most Dutch children start secondary school).

Concern growing around the world
Last year, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. Denmark and France are considering similar legislation. Sweden has already issued recommendations to limit screen time for children.

Warning from experts and initiatives of schools in the Netherlands
A group of experts appointed at the urging of the Dutch parliament found that excessive screen time and social media use are causing serious mental and physical problems in children. Meanwhile, Dutch schools have also banned the use of tablets, mobile phones, and smartwatches in classrooms, with some exceptions.

Public appeal and the Royal Family's concern
In May, nearly 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts in the Netherlands signed a public letter urging the government to keep children under 14 years of age away from mobile phones and ban social media until 16. In February, Dutch Queen Maxima also admitted that her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, has developed eye problems due to excessive use of mobile devices. This step has been taken keeping in mind the mental, social and physical development of children, and the possibility of a law related to this in the future cannot be ruled out.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.