The Dutch government plans to issue new guidelines discouraging social media use for children under 15 and recommending that smartphones be introduced only in the final year of primary school, according to Dutch broadcasters RTL and NOS, reported Xinhua.
The recommendations are part of a new policy titled Healthy Screen Use, to be presented on Tuesday. While not legally binding, the proposed age limits will serve as official advice.
The initiative follows growing concern from parents, scientists, and lawmakers over children's exposure to smartphones and social media. More than 1,400 doctors, scientists, and experts recently signed a letter urging that children not have their own smartphones before age 14 or access to social media before 16, citing serious health risks.
According to RTL and NOS, Minister for Youth, Prevention and Sport Vincent Karremans will propose official guidelines setting the social media age limit at under 15 and recommending smartphones only from age 11 or 12.
- Dutch
- Govt
- Smartphone
- Children
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
