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.
The Dutch caretaker government has expressed support for NATO’s proposed 5% GDP defence spending target, citing rising security threats as justification.
China and the Netherlands have agreed to maintain close communication through existing channels on cooperation in multiple sectors, including the sensitive area of semiconductor technology.
Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany have signed an agreement to establish the world’s first liquid green hydrogen import corridor, linking Oman’s Duqm port with Amsterdam and Duisburg. The project aims to supply Europe with renewable hydrogen, supporting clean energy goals.
Netherlands has become the latest European country to return artefacts to Africa after it signed an agreement pledging to return 119 'stolen' historical artefacts to Nigeria after extensive consultation with its Colonial collections committee.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that security measures along the borders have been increased due to recent developments at the Iranian border. Güler traveled to Van with high-ranking military officials to conduct inspections along the Iran border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a peaceful resolution between Iran and Israel is possible if all sides are involved. He emphasized the need to respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and ensure Israel’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue and negotiations on all issues, including Ukraine. He made these remarks during a traditional meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF
Putin Highlights Strengthening Russia-Vietnam Energy Ties at SPIEF
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the escalating Middle East tensions and stressed the need for urgent de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
Smoke rises over Tehran as Israeli airstrikes and Iranian missile attacks push regional tensions to the brink. Dozens of civilian casualties have been reported on both sides.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that interest rate forecasts may change based on future data and highlighted expected inflation growth in the coming months.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that security measures along the borders have been increased due to recent developments at the Iranian border. Güler traveled to Van with high-ranking military officials to conduct inspections along the Iran border.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said a peaceful resolution between Iran and Israel is possible if all sides are involved. He emphasized the need to respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and ensure Israel’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue and negotiations on all issues, including Ukraine. He made these remarks during a traditional meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies held as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF
Putin Highlights Strengthening Russia-Vietnam Energy Ties at SPIEF
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