THE Dutch government Tuesday advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using social media apps like TikTok and Snapchat, the latest country to propose curbs over mental health concerns. The advice, which is non-binding, comes after Australia and New Zealand proposed social media bans for under-16s, and several European countries have issued similar guidelines.
“Intensive screen and social media use can be bad for the (mental) health and development of children,” said the Dutch ministry for health, wellbeing and sport. “Think of sleeping problems, panic attacks, depressive symptoms, reduced concentration and a negative self-image.”
The ministry distinguished between smartphone use, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, and social media apps like TikTok.
Children younger than their last year of primary school (typically 11 or 12) should not be allowed a smartphone, the government advised.
AFP
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar