The debate about the merits of not allowing children to use social media is gaining momentum in Switzerland. Will it be the next country to ban the networks for youngsters?
Earlier this year, MPs in Switzerland investigated whether a ban on accessing Tiktok, Instagram, and other social media platforms by school-age children could be beneficial.
Nothing has come out of this effort so far, but the issue is still being debated – and stirring controversy – among politicians, educators, and psychologists.
‘Developmental delays’
Thomas Minder, president of the Association of School Principals, is firmly in the pro-ban corner, pointing out that “screen consumption causes developmental delays.
“Many children exhibit significant motor deficits upon entering kindergarten,” he said. “In my opinion, social media should be banned for minors.”
A number of politicians agree with Minder’s stance.
Green Party MP Céline Vara, for instance, stressed the importance of taking action in this regard.
“We protect children from cigarettes and alcohol, so why not from social media?” she asked.
Vara’s colleague, Green deputy Maya Graf, is seeking a ban on smartphones in classrooms.
She cited scientific evidence that supports her proposal.
“In recent years, research has shown that smartphones not only disrupt the development of children and adolescents, but also harm their mental health while severely limiting their ability to concentrate and learn,” she said.
Many parents are in favour of the ban as well.
A study published in May revealed that 80 percent of Swiss people support a social media ban for children under 16. Support for a ban on mobile phones in schools is almost as high.
In March, the Council of States approved a postulate requesting a study to determine whether banning access to platforms like TikTok or Instagram for children under 16 could have an impact on youth protection.
Nothing concrete has come out of it yet.
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‘A deceptive solution’
But according to Daniel Süss, professor of Media Psychology at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), forcing youngsters to give up their screen time is not effective in a long run.
“Bans are a deceptive solution,” he said. “You get the impression that the problem has been solved, but that can be an illusion.”
Young people communicate not only on social media, but also on messaging apps or in games, he pointed out.
“One risk of a ban, therefore, is that young people then move to spaces where adults have even less awareness of what’s going on.”
And that would create even more serious problems, he said.
That’s because social media platforms that only allow people over 18 don’t consider themselves responsible for protecting minors.
His solution?
“Platform providers must implement protective measures, and educators must talk to young people about using social media,” Süss noted.
“Schools should also teach media literacy and the state should oversee whether or not platforms moderate their use,” he added.
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Is it possible to stop youngsters from accessing their phones?
According to SRF public broadcaster, the answer is yes.
This could be done via an age verification when registering on a given platform.
The e-ID, which has been approved by Swiss voters in September, “will make it possible to implement such verification relatively easily and securely,” the SRF said.
