KLIK SAJA - On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Dutch government issued an urgent public advisory, encouraging parents to be more vigilant about the impact of social media on children.
In its latest guidelines, the Ministry of Health recommends that children under the age of 15 should not be allowed to access platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
This is more than just a casual suggestion—it’s a serious call to protect the well-being and future of the younger generation from invisible threats lurking behind screens.
The move responds to growing concerns over the psychological and physical consequences of excessive social media use.
Among the issues identified are panic attacks, depression, and sleep disorders—all of which can disrupt a child’s natural development.
The Ministry also advises limiting screen time and recommends keeping electronic devices, like smartphones and laptops, out of children's bedrooms.
Vincent Karremans, acting Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, explained that these guidelines aim to help children build digital resilience and media literacy.
While the advisory is not legally binding, it marks a crucial step in encouraging parents to play a more active role in digital parenting.
The Dutch government also draws a clear line between social media and communication platforms.
Apps like WhatsApp and Signal are considered safer alternatives, as they are not designed to capture constant attention in the same way TikTok and Instagram are—platforms that often rely on addictive features and algorithms that exploit young users’ psychology.
The Netherlands is joining a growing international movement: Australia has already banned social media for those under 16, while France, Denmark, and Sweden are considering similar measures.
Dutch schools have also begun banning smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in classrooms to promote more focused and distraction-free learning environments.
Now is the time for parents to step in. Preventing children under 15 from accessing social media is not an act of strict restriction—it’s a thoughtful form of protection.
The real world, with all its challenges and beauty, remains the best place for a child to grow. Let them make real friends, play outside, touch the grass, hear the birds sing, and experience life without a digital filter.
