In the quiet edges of a late winter day in Prague, when sunlight drifts low across ancient rooftops and the Vltava reflects a pale, moving sky, everyday life continues with a familiar rhythm. Footsteps echo along narrow streets, conversations unfold in cafés, and unseen signals from phones and screens pass silently between hands and pockets.
It was against this calm urban backdrop that the Czech prime minister spoke about children and the digital spaces they now inhabit so naturally. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said he supports the idea of banning social media use for children under the age of 15, describing the platforms as potentially harmful to young users. His remarks framed the issue not as a sudden break but as a pause — an attempt to slow the speed at which childhood is pulled into online currents before it has fully formed its footing.
Officials indicated that the Czech government is seriously considering proposing legislation this year, though no final text has yet been presented. The discussion remains open, shaped by consultations with experts and lawmakers, and by broader conversations unfolding beyond the country’s borders. Across Europe, similar debates have emerged, reflecting a shared uncertainty about how societies should balance technological openness with the protection of younger generations.
In these discussions, the question is less about devices themselves than about time and attention. Supporters of age limits speak of safeguarding mental health and preserving spaces for play, learning, and unmediated social contact. Others note the complexity of enforcement and the role of families, education, and digital literacy in shaping how children engage with online platforms. The debate moves steadily, like the river through Prague, carrying multiple currents without resolving them all at once.
The prime minister’s remarks have entered this flow of thought as one voice among many, suggesting boundaries where none previously existed. Whether such boundaries become law, and how they might reshape daily life for children and parents alike, remains to be seen. For now, the conversation lingers, marked by concern rather than certainty.
In straightforward news terms, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has publicly expressed support for a proposal to ban social media use by children under 15. Government officials say legislation is being considered, placing the Czech Republic among several countries examining tighter rules on youth access to social platforms.
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