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

Imagine, for a moment, the bustling streets of Malta’s capital, Valletta. The sun beats down on the historic city, children laugh and play in the small parks, and tourists snap photos of the iconic Grandmaster’s Palace. Now, picture this: a child, barely old enough to hold a pencil, scrolling through a smartphone, eyes glued to the screen, fingers tapping away on apps designed for adults. This is not a distant dystopia, but a reality that’s becoming increasingly common on our islands.

Momentum’s Call to Action

Local political party, Momentum Malta, has sounded the alarm on this issue, urging the government to ban social media for those under 16. The party’s leader, Norman Lowell, argues that the current lack of regulation is putting our children at risk. “We’re seeing kids exposed to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and even grooming,” he says, his voice echoing through the halls of Parliament during a recent press conference.

Social Media’s Dark Side

Lowell’s concerns are not unfounded. A 2021 study by the University of Malta found that 60% of Maltese children aged 9-16 have a social media account, with many using platforms designed for adults, like Facebook and Instagram. The same study revealed that 40% of these children had experienced cyberbullying, and 25% had seen inappropriate content.

Dr. Maria Attard, a clinical psychologist at the University of Malta, warns, “Social media can be a wonderful tool for connection and learning, but it’s not designed with children in mind. They’re exposed to adult content, peer pressure, and constant comparison, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem.”

International Precedent

Momentum is not alone in its call for action. Countries like China, South Korea, and even the United States have implemented age restrictions and regulations on social media platforms. In 2019, the US Congress introduced the “Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act,” which, if passed, would ban social media for those under 13.

Closer to home, Italy has taken a stand. In 2019, they passed the “Seveso Bis” law, which includes provisions to protect children online. The law requires social media platforms to verify the age of users and block those under 14 from accessing the sites.

Momentum argues that Malta should follow suit. Lowell suggests, “We should be proactive, not reactive. We need to protect our children before it’s too late.”

But is a ban the answer? Some argue that education and parental involvement are key. Dr. Attard agrees, “Education is crucial. We need to teach children and parents about online safety, digital literacy, and responsible use.”

Regardless of the solution, one thing is clear: the issue of children and social media is a pressing one. As we walk through the streets of Valletta, let’s remember the children playing, laughing, and living. Let’s ensure they’re protected, both on and offline.