Dutch Government Urges Parents to Keep Children Under 15 Off TikTok, Instagram
The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent children under 15 from using social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, citing concerns over mental and physical health issues.
The Ministry of Health issued the recommendation on Tuesday, warning that excessive use of these platforms can lead to panic attacks, depression and sleep disturbances in children.
Caretaker Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport Vincent Karremans said the advisory aims to give children time to build digital resilience and media literacy.
The guidelines are not legally binding but distinguish between social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal. The government said social media platforms have more addictive design features that negatively affect children.
The advisory also recommends limiting screen time, keeping devices out of bedrooms and encouraging 20 minutes of screen use followed by two hours of outdoor play.
Children are allowed to use messaging services from age 13, which aligns with the start of secondary school in the Netherlands.
Both TikTok and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old.
The recommendations follow findings from a group of experts commissioned by the Dutch parliament, who reported that intense screen time and social media use can cause physical and psychological harm in children.
Dutch schools have already banned the use of tablets, mobile phones and smartwatches during class, except in lessons focused on media literacy.
In May, around 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts in the Netherlands signed a public letter urging the government to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and restrict social media use until age 16.
In February, Dutch Queen Máxima revealed that her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, developed eyesight problems due to excessive screen time.
Other countries are also taking action. Australia banned social media use for children under 16 last year, while Denmark and France are considering similar laws. Sweden issued its own recommendations to limit screen time for children in 2024.
Dutch government advises children under 15 to avoid TikTok and Instagram
Health ministry warns of mental and physical risks from social media use
Guidelines recommend screen time limits and more outdoor play
Source: AP NEWS
