According to her, the authorities are considering various measures: banning the use of social networks for children, limiting harmful content and regulating algorithms that can exploit the vulnerability of teenagers. Detailed discussions will begin in the new year based on a special report. The official emphasized that the platforms themselves should also be responsible for what children and youth consume.
Bohm-Schneider noted that the Swiss authorities can rely on the experience of Australia, where they introduced a ban on the use of social networks for children under 16 years of age. Parents and child welfare groups there supported the ban, while tech companies and free speech advocates criticized it.
At the local level, Switzerland is already taking steps to limit gadgets: the parliament of the canton of Friborg voted to ban the use of mobile phones in schools for children under 15 years old.
