Switzerland Weighs Social Media Ban for Children
Switzerland may introduce stricter regulations on social media use by children, including a possible ban, as concerns grow over the impact of digital platforms on young people’s mental health and well-being.
Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said on Sunday that Switzerland must do more to protect children from the risks associated with social media, signalling openness to banning platforms for minors. Speaking to SonntagsBlick newspaper, she said the country should closely examine measures similar to those recently adopted in Australia.
“The debate in Australia and the European Union is important, and it must also take place in Switzerland,” Baume-Schneider said. “I am open to a social media ban. We must better protect our children.”
Inspired by Australia’s Under-16 Ban
Australia recently introduced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, a move that has received strong support from parents and child welfare advocates. However, the decision has also sparked criticism from major technology companies and free speech groups.
Baume-Schneider said Swiss authorities need to carefully assess what restrictions may be necessary. Options under consideration include banning social media use by children, limiting harmful content, and addressing recommendation algorithms that exploit young users’ vulnerabilities.
Platforms Must Take Responsibility
The interior minister emphasized that responsibility should not rest solely with families or governments. She said social media companies must also be held accountable for the content young people are exposed to online.
“We mustn’t forget social media platforms themselves,” she said. “They must take responsibility for what children and young people consume.”
Detailed discussions on potential regulations are expected to begin in the new year, supported by a comprehensive government report on social media risks.
Local Measures Already Underway
At the local level, some Swiss regions have already taken action. Earlier this month, the parliament of the canton of Fribourg voted to ban mobile phone use in schools for children under the age of 15, reflecting growing concern over excessive screen time and digital distractions in education.
As Switzerland weighs national-level reforms, the debate over children’s safety, digital freedom, and corporate responsibility is expected to intensify in the months ahead.
