Brussels, 12 May (LaPresse) – "We have set up a special panel of experts on child safety online to provide advice. Without prejudging the group’s conclusions, I believe we must consider delaying access to social media. Depending on the findings, we may present a legislative proposal this summer. We are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is evolving and how it is permeating every aspect of childhood and adolescence. And the debate on the minimum age for accessing social media can no longer be ignored. Almost all EU Member States are calling for an assessment of its necessity." This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European initiative on artificial intelligence and children in Copenhagen. ‘At present, Denmark wants to introduce it, as do nine other Member States. The European Parliament,’ she noted, ‘has reached the same conclusion. The question is not whether young people should have access to social media, but whether social media should have access to young people. Childhood and early adolescence are formative years, and I believe we should give our children more time to develop resilience during this vulnerable phase.’
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