Protecting children online: Australia imposes ban, Poland drafts new safeguards
As Australia becomes the first country to bar children from social media, Poland is moving in a similar direction, signalling a broader shift in how democracies are confronting the impact of digital platforms on the young.
As Australia blocks children from social media, Poland explores age-based controls.Photo: Ludovic Toinel/Unsplash.com/CC0
Lawmakers from Poland’s governing Civic Coalition (KO) are preparing a draft bill that would restrict access to social media for children and teenagers under the age of 15.
The proposal, initiated by education minister Barbara Nowacka and MP Roman Giertych, has received political backing within the ruling bloc and is expected to be submitted to parliament by the end of February.
The plan would place responsibility on technology companies to enforce age limits, following the Australian model, where under-16s are barred from platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube. In Australia, firms that fail to comply face fines of up to €28m.
Supporters of the Polish initiative argue that growing evidence links early exposure to social media with mental health problems, poorer educational outcomes and weakened social relationships.
“This needs to be interrupted,” Giertych said, adding that Poland should follow regulatory trends emerging across Europe and the wider Western world.
The government is also exploring secure age-verification tools, potentially using digital identity wallets rather than self-declared ages. Similar systems are already being tested in several EU countries.
Poland’s debate reflects a wider European reckoning.
France and Denmark have announced plans to limit social media use for under-15s, while Sweden is examining possible restrictions.
Together with Australia’s landmark decision, these moves suggest a growing consensus: when it comes to children online, laissez-faire is no longer an option.
(mp)
Source: PAP
