The Verkhovna Rada is preparing a bill that would introduce graduated restrictions on the use of social networks and gadgets for children. In particular, the initiative includes a proposal to block access to the platforms at night.
The Verkhovna Rada is preparing a bill that would introduce graduated restrictions on the use of social networks and gadgets for children. In particular, the initiative includes a proposal to block access to the platforms at night.
This was stated by MP Yulia Grishina on the air of the program «Superposition». She noted that a working group is being created under the relevant parliamentary committee to discuss the detailed document at the expert level before its official registration.
According to the deputy, the authors of the document decided to abandon a total ban on social networks for teenagers, as is done in some countries, preferring age and time restrictions.
«We proposed a set of restrictive measures, because just one ban will not solve the issue. The higher the age, the greater the number of restrictions. Nighttime restrictions, content restrictions, restrictions on targeted advertising,» Yulia Grishina noted.
The main provisions of the proposed bill include:
Banning or blocking access to social media at night to prevent addiction and insomnia.
Filtering dangerous, aggressive and pornographic content.
Banning targeted advertising to children (e.g., weapons-related products).
Media literacy activities for parents and teenagers.
Restricting the use of gadgets directly during the educational process in schools.
The MP cited security risks as a separate factor for introducing time and content restrictions. In particular, she mentioned cases when enemy special services recruit Ukrainian teenagers via Telegram at night to commit offenses or sabotage.
At the same time, the text of the statement does not specify the technical mechanisms by which they plan to oblige digital platforms to verify the age of users and block access at night in Ukraine.
Regulating access to digital platforms by minors is a global trend. Some countries are introducing strict age restrictions: for example, Australia has passed legislation banning children under 16 from using most social media platforms, under the threat of large fines for technology companies.
In Ukraine, the issue of children’s safety in the digital space has become more acute, in particular, due to the activity of Russian special services: according to the deputy, the number of crimes against national security involving minors has increased 43 times, and 22% of Ukrainians recruited by Russia are children.
According to the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada, every fourth teenager in Ukraine spends 7 or more hours online a day, 4 out of 5 children have accounts on Telegram and TikTok, and every third child faces dangerous situations online (with 60% of them not telling anyone about it).
