## EU Lawmakers Propose Social Media Ban for Under-16s: What Does This Mean for Malta? The digital age has brought about a seismic shift in how we communicate and interact, with social media platforms becoming an integral part of our daily lives. However, recent proposals by EU lawmakers to ban social media use for children…
### Teen Admits to Sex Charges Against 14-Year-Old, Now Mother of His Child: A Community in Shock In a shocking turn of events that has left the Maltese community reeling, a teenager has recently admitted to sexual charges involving a 14-year-old girl, who has now given birth to his child. This case has sparked intense…
In the ever-evolving digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for the younger generation. Instagram, with its vibrant and interactive interface, has been a go-to platform for teens to express themselves and connect with peers. However, recent developments have seen Instagram introduce changes aimed at safeguarding younger…
**Teenager Reported by Father for Breaching Court-Imposed Curfew: A Tale of Discipline and Community Values in Malta** In a recent incident that has sparked debate across Maltese communities, a teenager was reported by his own father for breaching a court-imposed curfew. This case has not only highlighted the complexities of parental responsibility and the legal…
**Clifton Grima Urges European Ministers to Put Youth at the Heart of Decisions** Malta’s dynamic political landscape has seen a significant push for prioritizing youth in national and international decision-making processes. Clifton Grima, a prominent figure in Maltese politics and a staunch advocate for youth empowerment, has recently taken this advocacy to the European stage….
### Letters to the Editor: A Glimpse into Malta’s Community Concerns and Celebrations In the heart of Malta, where history and modernity intertwine, the letters to the editor section of our local newspapers remains a vibrant platform for citizens to voice their thoughts, concerns, and celebrations. October 8, 2025, was no different, as Maltese residents…
Alex Borg’s “shadow cabinet” is no longer whispers in the Valletta cafés. On Sunday, flanked by the limestone façade of the Nationalist Party headquarters, the newly minted Opposition leader unveiled the team he says will hold Robert Abela’s government to account “from day one”. In a country where politics is a national sport, the line-up…
**From Junior Councils to University Halls: How Malta is Raising a New Generation of Student Leaders** *By Hot Malta Staff* VALLETTA – While most teens are still deciding which TikTok filter to use, 17-year-old Martina Camilleri from Żejtun is negotiating a €15,000 budget with the Mayor for a new youth chill-out zone complete with recycled-plastic…
Young Europeans are losing faith in democracy – here’s how Malta can earn it back By Hot Malta Staff The queue outside the Mosta polling station on 8 June looked more like a quiet bus stop than the beating heart of a republic. By 10:00 am only 37 of the 800 registered voters had bothered…
# Meta Launches Teen-Only Facebook Profiles as Maltese Parents Ask: “Do 13-Year-Olds Really Need a Timeline?” Sliema mum Claire* still remembers the day her 12-year-old came home from church-school asking when he could open “a proper Facebook” like his cousins in Sicily. “I told him the rule is 13,” she laughs, waving a €3 pastizz…
Valletta – A 19-year-old from Żabbar stood in the dock at Malta’s Criminal Court on Tuesday and admitted he had tried to fly to London on a passport that belonged to a look-alike cousin. The guilty plea, delivered in a near-whisper, ended a two-week saga that has reopened a national conversation about identity, opportunity, and…
# Record low early school leavers as government reaffirms child-focused approach Malta has hit a historic milestone in its education journey, with early school leaving rates plummeting to an all-time low of 8.2%—well below the EU target of 10% and a dramatic drop from the 21% recorded just a decade ago. The achievement, announced by…
