Experts Call for Ban on Social Media for Minors

By Netvora Tech News

A group of 17 experts, psychiatrists, and organizations in Belgium are urging the government to ban social media for children under the age of 16. In an open letter to the Flemish government, the experts argue that the negative effects of social media on children's mental and physical health, as well as their school performance, are becoming increasingly apparent.

According to the experts, there is sufficient scientific evidence to demonstrate the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media use. These effects include increased risk of attention problems, sleep disorders, speech and language delays, emotional and social development problems, poor eating habits, negative body image, and decreased cognitive performance.

The Experts' Concerns

The signatories to the letter are particularly concerned about the negative impact of social media on children. "We often underestimate how little children have developed the skills to navigate screens and social media," says child psychiatrist Binu Singh. "It's as if you're putting a baby on a bike – it's not ready yet. But with screen use, it's much less visible when someone isn't ready for it."

Neuropsychiatrist Theo Compernolle echoes these concerns, saying, "Scrolling is like a bag of drugs: bottomless, consumed by guiltless antisocial media, aided by unaware parents and politicians who turn a blind eye to the risks for children, adults, and society. Every swipe promises something better, every refresh a new dopamine hit, like moths attracted to the blue light of our screens with their endless stream of content that steals our attention without giving us any real satisfaction."

More Than Just Social Media

The experts' concerns extend beyond social media to the overall screen use of children. "We must not think that it's harmless or that it will sort itself out," says Singh. "Even babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are being presented with screens too early, for example, to calm them down during meals."

The experts are calling for a range of measures, including a minimum age limit for social media use, a revised official advisory for parents on screen time, smartphones, and social media, and stricter regulations to protect children from the negative effects of excessive screen time.

A minimum age limit for social media use
A revised official advisory for parents on screen time, smartphones, and social media
Stricter regulations to protect children from the negative effects of excessive screen time