Czechia weighs under-15 social media ban as government debate intensifies

A ban on social media use for under-15s is being weighed in Czechia, with government officials suggesting the measure could be introduced before the end of the year.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has voiced strong support and argues that experts point to potential harm linked to early social media exposure.

France recently enacted an under-15 restriction, and a growing number of European countries are exploring similar limits rather than relying solely on parental guidance.

The discussion is part of a broader debate about children’s digital habits, with Czech officials also considering a ban on mobile phones in schools. Slovakia has already adopted comparable rules, giving Czech ministers another model to study as they work on their own proposals.

Not all political voices agree on the direction of travel. Some warn that strict limits could undermine privacy rights or diminish online anonymity, while others argue that educational initiatives would be more effective than outright prohibition.

UNICEF has cautioned that removing access entirely may harm children who rely on online platforms for learning or social connection instead of traditional offline networks.

Implementing a nationwide age restriction poses practical and political challenges. The government of Czechia heavily uses social media to reach citizens, complicating attempts to restrict access for younger users.

Age verification, fair oversight and consistent enforcement remain open questions as ministers continue consultations with experts and service providers.

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