Switzerland May Consider Social Media Ban for Children: Interior Minister

Switzerland must do more to protect children from the risks posed by social media, Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said on Sunday, signalling she is open to a potential ban on the platforms for young users.

In an interview with SonntagsBlick, Baume-Schneider pointed to Australia’s recent decision to ban social media for under-16s and said Switzerland should examine similar measures. “The debate in Australia and the EU is important. It must also be conducted in Switzerland. I am open to a social media ban,” said the minister, a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party. “We must better protect our children.”

She said authorities need to assess what restrictions may be appropriate, including a possible ban on social media use by children, limits on harmful content, and scrutiny of algorithms that exploit young people’s vulnerabilities.

Detailed discussions are expected to begin in the new year, supported by a report on the issue. Baume-Schneider stressed that responsibility should not rest solely with governments. “We mustn’t forget social media platforms themselves: they must take responsibility for what children and young people consume,” she said.

Australia’s ban has been welcomed by many parents and child welfare advocates, but has also drawn criticism from major technology companies and free speech groups.

At the local level, Switzerland has already taken steps to curb children’s device use. Earlier this month, the parliament of the canton of Fribourg voted to prohibit children from using mobile phones at school until around the age of 15.