Momentum Urges Ban on Social Media for Under-16s in Malta

Imagine a bustling classroom in Msida, Malta. It’s 9 am, and the teacher is still waiting for little Luca to look up from his phone. Not a calculator or an e-book, but Instagram. This is the reality for many of our children, and it’s time we did something about it.

Momentum’s Call to Action

Local political party, Momentum, has had enough. They’re urging the government to ban social media for those under 16. The party’s spokesperson, Alex Vella, told Hot Malta, “We’re not living in the past. We understand the digital age. But we must protect our children from the harmful effects of social media.”

Why the Ban?

Momentum’s proposal isn’t just about curbing screen time. It’s about protecting our children’s mental health, privacy, and even their academic performance. Studies have linked excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality in teens. it exposes them to online predators and cyberbullying. And let’s not forget the distraction it causes in schools like that one in Msida.

Dr. Maria Galea, a Maltese psychologist, supports Momentum’s initiative. “Social media isn’t designed with children in mind. It’s designed to keep us engaged, often at the expense of our well-being and productivity.”

But What About the Law?

Currently, the law in Malta allows children as young as 13 to use social media, provided they have parental consent. But Momentum argues that this isn’t enough. They want a complete ban until the age of 16, in line with the legal age of consent for other activities.

However, not everyone agrees. Some argue that a blanket ban is unrealistic and could drive children to use social media secretly, without parental guidance. Others believe education, not legislation, is the key.

Education Minister, Justine Grech, told Hot Malta, “We’re exploring various options, including age-appropriate digital literacy education in schools. But a blanket ban? That’s a complex issue we’re still discussing.”

What Can Parents Do?

While we wait for the government’s decision, what can parents do? Momentum suggests open communication, setting boundaries, and using parental controls. Dr. Galea adds, “Encourage other activities. Sports, arts, reading – anything that keeps them engaged offline.”

Let’s not forget, we’re talking about our children. Their health, their future. It’s time we had this conversation, Malta. It’s time we protected them.