Dutch government issues guidelines to limit children's smartphone and social media use

The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.

The "Guidelines for Healthy and Responsible Screen and Social Media Use" recommend that children under 15 avoid social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It also advises that smartphone use should not start before the final year of primary school, typically around ages 11 to 12.

Vincent Karremans, State Secretary for Youth, Prevention and Sport, emphasized the addictive nature of social media and its significant "dark side," noting that nearly 13% of young people are at risk of problematic social media use. The guidelines offer age-specific recommendations: screen exposure is entirely discouraged for children under two years old, and for adolescents aged 12 and above, daily screen time should be limited to a maximum of three hours.

While these guidelines are not legally binding, the Dutch government plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign this summer to help parents manage their children's digital environment. This initiative follows an open letter in May from "Smartphonevrij Opgroeien Nederland" (Growing Up Smartphone-Free Netherlands), signed by over 30,000 parents and endorsed by more than 3,000 experts, urging clear age limits.

The Dutch government is also advocating for greater European cooperation to strengthen digital legislation, specifically through the effective implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), and to establish uniform age standards for social media use across Europe. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is an EU regulation adopted in 2022 that addresses illegal content, transparent advertising, and disinformation, aiming to create a safer online environment.

Copied