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

Imagine a bustling street in Paceville, Malta’s nightlife hub, filled with teenagers glued to their phones, oblivious to their surroundings. Now, imagine them being unable to access social media until they’re 16. This isn’t a dystopian fantasy, but a proposal by local political party Momentum.

Momentum’s Social Media Ban Proposal

Momentum has called for a ban on social media for those under 16, citing concerns over mental health, cyberbullying, and online predators. The party’s spokesperson, Dr. Rosianne Cutajar, argues that children are too vulnerable to navigate the online world unsupervised. “We’re seeing an alarming increase in mental health issues among young people,” she says, “and social media is a significant contributing factor.”

Support and Skepticism from the Public

Reactions from the public have been mixed. Some parents welcome the idea, citing their struggles to control their children’s screen time. “I’ve seen my daughter’s self-esteem plummet after hours spent on Instagram,” says Maria, a mother of two from Birkirkara. Others, however, are skeptical. “It’s like banning cars because some people drive recklessly,” argues Peter, a software engineer from Msida. “We need education, not bans.”

Legal and Practical Challenges

Momentum’s proposal faces significant challenges. Enforcement would be difficult, with many children having access to their parents’ social media accounts. Malta’s small size makes it hard to avoid online platforms entirely. “You can’t just ban social media in Malta,” says Dr. Tonio Borg, a former EU Commissioner. “Our children need to learn how to navigate these platforms safely, not avoid them altogether.”

Despite these challenges, Momentum insists that the conversation is necessary. “We’re not saying it’s easy,” says Dr. Cutajar. “But we can’t stand by and do nothing. Our children deserve better.”