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Austria has announced a new plan to ban social media for children under fourteen. This bold move makes Austria the latest nation to set strict rules for young online users. The idea came from long talks within the country's three-party government. It is now clear that children will not be allowed on these sites. However, no one knows exactly how the law will be checked or when it starts.
Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler spoke strongly about the need for action. He said the government cannot stay silent while social media makes children addicted. He noted that these apps can even make young people physically sick. Babler argued that leaders must protect children from these digital dangers. He compared the rules to laws that stop kids from drinking alcohol or smoking. There must be clear rules in the online world too.
Babler explained that children under fourteen will be safe from addictive computer programs. These programs are called algorithms. Social media companies use them to keep users scrolling and clicking for hours. Other services already have rules to stop kids from seeing bad content. Babler believes these strict rules must now apply to the online world. This will ensure safety for all young users.
Austria is joining many countries worried about social media effects on young minds. These nations fear harmful content and severe damage to mental health. The trend is moving fast as major nations take steps to stop access.
In December, Australia became the first country to ban users under sixteen. Just one month later, France approved a ban for children under fifteen. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Austria for joining this important movement. The United Kingdom is currently discussing a ban for users under sixteen. Other European countries like Denmark and Spain are also thinking about similar rules.