5 months Ago
Parental Warnings Rathe Than Criminalization
Karremans has already taken a legal ban on phones for under-14s off the table, concluding that there's no way to enforce it. The government is, however, concerned over children's online safety, which has led it to consider more structured advice. Children's groups have called for clearer guidance from the authorities, especially after teenagers complained that they were worried about their mental health online.
Teenagers Back Limits as Mental Health Issues Grow
In a recent survey, 88 per cent of young people said they used social media, but 69 per cent supported banning it, citing its addictive quality and its potential for harm to mental health. Lawmakers are also discussing imposing a smartphone ban in secondary schools at all times.
Though non-binding, the plan supported by D66 MP Hanneke van der Werf is intended to provide clear lines for schools. The same rate has existed in primary schools from the start of the current school year. Since the change, teachers have noticed that pupils pay more attention and talk to each other more.
