Ukraine may restrict children’s access to social networks: Verkhovna Rada is preparing a bill

The Verkhovna Rada is developing a bill that could introduce restrictions on the use of social networks by minors. This includes, in particular, such popular platforms as Instagram and TikTok. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the protection of children in the digital space and countering threats that arise on the Internet.

This was reported by Yulia Grishina, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovation.

The bill is still being developed

According to the deputy, the document is currently in the preparation stage, so specific mechanisms for future restrictions have not yet been disclosed.

At the same time, Grishina explained that the future model will provide for the division of responsibility between several parties:

parents will be responsible for raising children;

the state – for legal regulation;

social networks and online platforms – for technological mechanisms for protecting minors.

According to her, such a legislative initiative has a chance of receiving support from representatives of various parliamentary factions, especially given the challenges that arose during the war.

Ukraine is studying European experience

As Yulia Hryshyna noted, when preparing the draft law, Ukraine is guided by the practice of European states.

A number of countries already have age restrictions or bans on the use of social networks for children under 14 or 16 years of age.

Why was there a need for restrictions

According to the data provided by the MP, over the past three years the number of crimes against national security involving minors has increased 43 times.

In addition:

22% of Ukrainians recruited by Russia are children.

The Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada has also prepared an analytical dossier on the safety of children in the digital space.

According to it:

every fourth teenager spends more than seven hours on the Internet every day;

four out of five children have Telegram and TikTok accounts;
every third child has encountered dangerous situations online at least once;
about 60% of children do not report such cases to anyone.
What do Ukrainians think

According to the results of a sociological survey, which is referred to by the Center for Public Monitoring and Control, the majority of citizens support the idea of ​​introducing age restrictions for using social networks.

In particular:

60% fully support age restrictions;
32% are in favor of partial restrictions, but not a complete ban, in particular due to the importance of messengers for learning and communication;
7% believe that decisions should be made individually;
only 1% are categorically against any restrictions.

Currently, the draft law is still in the development stage. After completion of preparation, it should be submitted for discussion and further consideration in the Verkhovna Rada.