this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the move will protect children from the "digital Wild West".

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[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 23 points 2 months ago (1 children)

So fucking stupid, it's not going to get or keep anyone off of social media. They will just get pushed to shady sites that won't bother to comply or they will lie about their age.

[–] MetalSlugX@piefed.social 13 points 2 months ago (6 children)

I am asking in good faith, what is a more appropriate response?

I work in youth crisis support, and I can say that social media addiction is on par with methamphetamine. I used to be a tech startup guy & game developer, so I'm not naive to what you're saying either.

[–] Mannimarco@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 2 months ago

Hold the social media companies responsible for their toxic algorithms, treat the problem at the source for everyone not just children

[–] ISOmorph@feddit.org 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Sorry but the proposed ways to approach the situation is akin to putting everyone in jail just to be sure, because a handful of people are criminals. I'm a parent myself, so I'm well aware of the dangers and difficulties. Guess what? Those dangers don't vanish when you hit 18. You'll just be even less prepared to identify fake ragebait content. Everyone needs to be educated on the matter so that parents can do a better parenting job. What's next? Banning sugar because mom and dad can't be arsed to explain to their children that cornflakes are a dessert treat and not a breakfast?

[–] doleo@lemmy.one 5 points 2 months ago

social media addiction is on par with methamphetamine

Isnt methamphetamine banned for all people, though?

[–] XLE@piefed.social 2 points 2 months ago

I'm generally okay with a social media ban for children, as long as it doesn't come with extra surveillance as a result. You know, like how the US handled adult websites back before they got all Big Government about it.

With a little extra friction and with a little extra help for teachers and maybe social workers, it seems like a good idea.

[–] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

Admittedly, I dont have the right answer. I feel it is undeniable that social media is a net negative for society. But I DO know what the wrong answer is, banning something never works. It seems instead to make it more popular.

If you want my opinion I can give you that. Keep in mind I am an idiot with a bleeding heart.

Societey is broken, social media is toxic because modern society is as well. People are considered stupid, pathetic, weak, or worse "woke" if they dare care for another. We need to teach empathy not censor websites.

[–] technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I am asking in good faith, what is a more appropriate response?

Parent/guardian.

I work in youth crisis support, and I can say that social media addiction is on par with methamphetamine.

No, it's not. This is absurd.

[–] theuniqueone@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 points 2 months ago

Hate these policies and the massive surveillance they support.

[–] BrikoX@lemmy.zip 9 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Wouldn't have expected this from Sánchez. The mistargeted hysteria is getting old.

[–] A_A@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago

Better yet : ban Facebook and the likes for anyone younger than 40 ... and also for anyone older than 39.
Do also Reddit, xTwit, microSlop and so on.

[–] gressen@lemmy.zip 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

Oh yeah 100%. They're pushing this attack on kids so that they're free to push gambling addiction on everybody else.

[–] autonomoususer@lemmy.world 5 points 2 months ago

SCAM title! These are plans to spy on every adult.

[–] technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

The state's only means of "helping" kids is attacking kids... and everybody else.

[–] pancake@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Well, Trump doesn't like Sanchez, and Trump now controls most American social media... it's the most logical move on his part.

[–] chgxvjh@hexbear.net 3 points 2 months ago

That's really no sound reason for blocking it for under 16 year olds in particular.