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

Imagine a bustling Malta classroom, filled with the chatter of 12-year-olds, each one with a smartphone in hand, scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. This is not a scene from a distant future, but a reality in our schools today. It’s a sight that’s got local NGO Momentum worried, and they’re calling for a social media ban for those under 16.

Momentum’s Call to Arms

Momentum, known for their work in mental health and youth empowerment, has launched a campaign urging the government to introduce an age restriction on social media. They argue that children under 16 are too young to navigate the complex world of online influencers, cyberbullying, and misinformation. “We’re seeing an alarming increase in anxiety and depression among young people,” says Dr. Maria Attard, Momentum’s director. “Social media is a significant contributing factor.”

Malta’s Social Media scene

Malta ranks among the top countries in Europe for social media usage. According to a 2021 survey by the National Statistics Office, 94% of households have internet access, and 84% of individuals use social media. While the average age of social media users is 32, many children are logging on much younger. A 2020 study by the University of Malta found that 60% of Maltese children aged 10-12 have a social media account, despite the minimum age requirement being 13.

Stroll down Republic Street in Valletta, and you’ll see children as young as 8 glued to their parents’ phones. In many cases, they have their own. “We’re living in a digital age, and it’s not going away,” says Dr. Attard. “But we need to protect our children. They’re not equipped to handle the pressures of social media at such a young age.”

What’s Being Proposed?

Momentum is proposing a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they want to raise the minimum age requirement for social media accounts to 16. Secondly, they’re calling for stricter enforcement of age restrictions, including potential fines for platforms that fail to comply. They also suggest educating parents and teachers about the risks of social media, and promoting digital literacy among young people.

But will it work? Critics argue that age restrictions are hard to enforce, and that banning social media could drive children towards less safe platforms. Dr. Attard counters, “We’re not suggesting a complete ban. We’re saying let’s make social media safer for our children. Let’s give them time to grow up before they’re exposed to its pressures.”

Momentum’s campaign has sparked a lively debate in Malta. Education Minister Clifton Grima has welcomed the discussion, stating that the ministry is “open to exploring all possibilities to ensure the well-being of our children.” But with social media giants like Facebook and Instagram making billions from Maltese users, will they be willing to play ball?

. But one thing’s for sure – the future of our children’s online lives is hanging in the balance. And it’s high time we had a serious conversation about it.