Cabinet plan to protect children online: 'They are facing unacceptable risks'
The Dutch government has unveiled a new strategy to protect children online, focusing on curbing harmful social media design, evaluating an EU-wide age limit for platforms, and banning mobile phones in all schools. The initiative also prioritizes combatting online radicalization among youth and ensuring that future digital safety measures involve input from both parents and children.
State Secretary for Digital Economy and Sovereignty Willemijn Aerdts has introduced a new strategy to better protect children from online risks, such as harmful social media algorithms and addictive design features like infinite scrolling. The cabinet is actively evaluating the EU Kids Act, which proposes a potential social media ban for children under thirteen. Implementing such measures requires privacy-friendly age verification, potentially utilizing EU-approved identification apps, though officials acknowledge that achieving societal change and effective enforcement will be a gradual process that takes years to materialize. Beyond social media, the government intends to formalize the 'home or in the locker' policy for mobile phones across all Dutch schools by next year. There is also an urgent focus on addressing online radicalization among youth, with the Ministry of Justice and Security preparing a specific action plan by year-end. By involving both educators and children in these initiatives, the government aims to create a safer digital environment that balances protection with greater youth influence.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
