Any policy decisions about access of children to social media should be guided by a children's rights approach, informed by the latest research and, most importantly, by children's voices. With many countries reviewing their legislation on children's access to social media, the participants of a debate held at the Council of Europe today, including youth ambassadors from Austria, Ireland, Italy and Malta, explored how best to balance the protection of children with respect for their rights and allowing them to meaningfully participate in public debate.
"Time and again, Europe finds itself facing the same dilemma: having to choose between security and rights, as if the two were incompatible." said Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, in his opening remarks. "When it comes to social media, the debate is often framed in the same terms: should we cut off access to protect children, or guarantee their rights by accepting the risks? It is a false choice. A choice that leads to a dead end," he warned.
Monaco's Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Christophe Robino, confirmed that the complex issue does not boil down strictly to a simple choice between freedom and restriction. "Rather, it is a matter of establishing the conditions for a freedom that is compatible with children's rights and the protection of their best interests," he said. "In the European space of rights we are building, the digital sphere cannot become an exception zone. Children's rights must be as real, effective, and protective online as they are elsewhere. This is the spirit in which Monaco has actively engaged, alongside the Council of Europe, in organising this dialogue," the Minister stressed.
Data shows rise in addiction-like symptoms from social-media use
Social media plays an increasing role in children's daily lives, transforming the way they communicate, learn, and express themselves. Recent research underscores the scale and complexity of the issue. In OECD countries, on weekdays 66% of 15-year-old girls and 61% of 15-year-old boys spend three or more hours per day on social media, with over half reporting having seen disturbing content. Mental health statistics are equally concerning: one in seven children in Europe suffers from a mental-health disorder, according to the World Health Organisation; among girls aged 15 to 19, it is one in four. The rise in so-called "addiction-like" symptoms from social media use, reported by 11% of adolescents, cannot be ignored.
Children's mental well-being is a democratic health issue
"Our children's mental health is not just another public health issue. It is also a matter of democratic health," Alain Berset stressed. It links well to the New Democratic Pact for Europe, a pioneering initiative of the Council of Europe, which proposes three pillars for action for democracy: learning, protecting, innovating.
"It is not a question of opposing the technological revolution - but of ensuring that it takes place with respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law," Alain Berset said, stressing the importance of inclusive deliberations on this issue.
Organised by the steering committees for the rights of the child (CDENF) and for human rights in biomedicine and health (CDBIO) under the auspices of the Presidency of Monaco of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, the event brought together over 130 policy-makers, leading international experts and stakeholders, with more than 300 participants following online.
Today's discussions will feed into a guidance note that will be developed by the CDENF to support countries in shaping their policies.
