Well -known Belgian experts ask for a ban on social media under the age of 16: « Urgent action needed »
A clearer and stricter policy on smartphone use in children and young people and a ban on social media for those who are younger than 16. Seventeen scientists argue for this in an open letter to the Flemish and federal government. Among the experts are some well -known names such as neurologist Steven Laureys and psychiatrist Dirk de Wachter.
« We, a group of scientists and practical experts from various disciplines, call for urgent action against growing health and welfare crisis due to excessive and inappropriate screen and social media use in children and young people, » The open letter which was published on Monday on the website of Burger Movement Kids Unplugged.
The letter was signed by seventeen experts, including psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter, neurologist Steven Laureys, child psychiatrist Binu Singh and neuropsychiatrist Theo Compernolle. According to them, smartphones have a negative impact on the brain and the emotional well -being of children and young people.
‘Children get a smartphone and access to social media at an increasingly younger age. This increasingly leads to negative consequences for their school performance, and their mental and physical health. Many studies show that excessive screen use contributes to sleeping problems, concentration disorders, anxiety, depression, obesity, and a disturbed social and emotional development. In addition, young people are exposed to harmful online content, such as pornography, cyberbullying and radicalization. ”
The letter is an initiative of Kidsunplugged, a citizen movement that brings together parents, professionals and policy makers on digital health in children. Parents can sign a pact via Kidsunplugged to postpone the purchase of a smartphone for their children.
What the experts ask:
The experts state in their open letter that the current approach, which focuses on media literacy and parental supervision, appears to be « insufficient ». That is why they ask for the following measures:
