MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The urgent need to control children’s access to the internet – E-002210/2024

Question for written answer  E-002210/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Eleonora Meleti (PPE)

Europe is very concerned to be witnessing the ever increasing use of the internet and social media by children and adolescents. Such use is often linked to addiction problems, mental health issues and aggressive behaviour in the real world. Young people spend a significant amount of time online and are exposed to a plethora of false information and bad role models, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression and isolation, with worrying consequences for the development of their personality and their healthy mental development.

Countries such as Australia are planning to impose age restrictions on social media use, while others like Belgium and Greece are outlawing the use of mobile phones in schools.

In view of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission plan on adopting EU-wide measures to restrict children’s access to social media, bearing in mind their effects on mental health and the concerns about addiction and violence?
• 2.How does it intend to boost children’s digital education so that they learn from a young age how to protect themselves from the dangers of the internet, following up also on the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+)?

Submitted: 22.10.2024