Momentum Calls for Social Media Ban for Under 16s in Malta

Imagine this: a young child, barely taller than the tablet in their hands, scrolling through an endless feed of content, exposed to the world without the filter of maturity or understanding. This is the reality that Momentum, a local political party, wants to change. They’re calling for a ban on social media for those under 16, a bold move aimed at protecting our children from the digital wild west.

Understanding the Concern

Malta, with its high internet penetration rate, is not immune to the global issue of young children accessing social media platforms designed for adults. According to a 2021 study by the Malta Communications Authority, 84% of children aged 9-16 have a social media profile, with many starting as young as 10. Momentum argues that this exposure, at such a critical age, is doing more harm than good.

“We’re not saying children shouldn’t be online,” explains Rebecca Dimech, a spokesperson for Momentum. “But they should be protected from content that’s not age-appropriate. Social media, in its current form, is not designed with children in mind.”

What Would a Ban Look Like?

A ban on social media for under 16s would mean no access to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Momentum proposes a two-pronged approach: stricter age verification measures for social media companies, and education for parents on the dangers of underage social media use.

Momentum suggests that age verification could be handled through a combination of ID checks and AI algorithms that analyze user behavior. As for education, they propose workshops and online resources to help parents understand the risks, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the impact on mental health.

Support and Criticism

Momentum’s proposal has sparked a lively debate. Some welcome the idea, citing the need to protect children from online predators and harmful content. Others argue that a ban is not the solution, pointing out that children can still access social media through virtual private networks (VPNs) or borrowed accounts.

Dr. Maria Attard, a Maltese psychologist, supports the idea but acknowledges its challenges. “A ban would be a start, but it’s not a silver bullet. We need a broad approach that includes education, stricter enforcement, and better design of these platforms.”