On Friday 20 June in Luxembourg, the European health ministers adopted conclusions (https://aeur.eu/f/hhs ) calling for better protection of the mental health of children and adolescents by promoting safe and healthy use of digital tools and creating a more age-appropriate digital environment.
France is “calling for a ban on social networks and platforms for minors under the age of 15”, said Yannick Neuder, adding that social networks “encourage our young people to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, and play a particular role in bullying”. France hopes that the forthcoming Danish Presidency of the Council will be able to “make very firm progress on banning social networks for under-15s”.
Germany insisted on the need to guarantee digital content “adapted to the age of children and adolescents”. Minister Nina Warken has warned of the dangers of “manipulative and addictive design” practices. Spain believes that young people’s mental health should be a priority in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)