Brussels: Today, the Special Panel on child safety online met for the third and final time. On 13 July, the Panel's Co-chairs will present recommendations to President Ursula von der Leyen on how to further strengthen the EU's framework for the protection of minors online.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the final panel meeting coincided with the release of a new Eurobarometer survey, highlighting the significant impact of excessive screen time and social media on the mental and physical health of young people. The survey revealed that young individuals across Europe spend an average of 4.5 hours online during school days and 6.1 hours daily on weekends, with 14% of adolescents reporting more than 10 hours of daily screen time.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the dual nature of social media, which can connect and inspire but also leaves one in three young people feeling stressed, sad, or excluded. She noted the challenge posed by problematic online content, including hate speech and body image pressures, affecting a quarter of young users. Von der Leyen's comments underscore the urgency for regulatory change to better protect the mental health and wellbeing of minors.
The Special Panel's final meeting brought together various stakeholders, including young representatives, educators, parents, legal experts, and child rights advocates, to discuss best practices and challenges in online safety for children. The discussions aimed to empower parents and guardians in safeguarding their children's online wellbeing.
The Eurobarometer survey further indicated that nearly one-third of adolescents report negative emotions due to social media use, with 45% comparing themselves to others online. The survey also noted a correlation between early social media use and increased screen time, with those starting before age 10 spending more time online compared to those who began after age 14. The findings highlight a public consensus, with 92% of Europeans prioritizing the enhancement of online protection for children and young people.
As next steps, Special Panel Co-chairs Dr. Maria Melchior and Prof. Dr. J¶rg M. Fegert will submit their recommendations to President von der Leyen. The EU's current regulatory framework, including the Digital Services Act and various directives, aims to bolster online safety for minors, complemented by initiatives like the EU Age Verification App and an action plan against cyberbullying.
The European Commission's dedication to protecting minors online is reflected in its ambitious regulatory and strategic initiatives, striving to create a safer digital environment for young users across the EU.