ZURICH, Dec 21 (Reuters) – Switzerland must do more to protect children from the risks of social media,said Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider on Sunday, signaling support for a possible ban on the platforms for young people.
Following Australia’s recent social media ban for under-16s, Baume-Schneider told newspaper SonntagsBlick that Switzerland should look at similar measures.
‘The debate in Australia and the EU is important. It must also be driven in Switzerland. I am open to a social media ban,’ said the minister, a member of the center-left Social Democrats. ‘We need to protect our children better.’
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She said authorities need to look at what should be restricted, listing options such as banning children’s use of social media, restricting harmful content and addressing algorithms that take advantage of young people’s vulnerabilities.
Detailed discussions will begin in the new year, supported by a report on the subject, said Baume-Schneider, adding: ‘We must not forget about social media platforms themselves: they must take responsibility for what children and young people consume.’
Australia’s ban has received praise from many parents and children’s welfare groups,and drawn criticism from major technology companies.
Earlier this month, the Parliament of the Swiss canton of Friborg voted to ban the use of cell phones at school by children up to the age of 15, the latest measure taken at a local level in Switzerland to restrict the use of the devices in schools.
(By Dave Graham)
