Australia is taking a radical step in dealing with social media and protecting children and young people. A new law is to ban access to platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat for under-16s. Although Australia is the first country to take this approach, the debate about the impact of social media on young people is a hot topic internationally and in Switzerland too.
Should we take similar measures in Switzerland?
Instead of simply copying the Australian solution, we should take the opportunity to have a well-founded discussion about how to deal with digital technologies. In doing so, we need to ask ourselves critical questions:
How do we protect our children from the negative effects of social media? Cyberbullying, addiction potential, distortion of reality - the dangers are real. Do we need stricter age limits, better education or new technological solutions?
How do we promote digital literacy at the same time? The digital world offers enormous opportunities for education, creativity and social interaction. A blanket ban would cut children and young people off from these opportunities.
What role does school play in digital education? Alongside the home, schools are a key place to teach digital skills and promote the responsible use of new technologies.
AI skills instead of social media consumption?
I am personally convinced that we should shift the focus from a culture of prohibition to promoting digital literacy.Instead of demonizing social media, we should empower children and young people to use digital technologies actively and creatively.
One example of this is teaching AI skills at an early age. Initiatives such asâwww.rightangle.educationâ (Right Angle Singapore, UK) show that even primary school children can understand and apply the basics of artificial intelligence. Disclaimer: I support Rightangle on a voluntary basis).
Switzerland has the opportunity to take on a pioneering role in digital education. Let's use the debate to find solutions together that prepare our children and young people for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.
However, we must not lose sight of the ethical and data protection aspects.Digital governance and data protection must be an integral part of digital education.
With this in mind, let's actively shape the digital future!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
