Estonian minister: children and teens have the right to access information

Estonian Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta explained on the discussion program "Своя правда" why Estonia has so far opposed restricting children's access to social media platforms.

According to the minister, children and young people are part of the information society and therefore have the right to access information. She compared the issue to libraries, noting that libraries may also contain books unsuitable for children, yet this does not mean visiting a library should be banned.

Platforms should change, not access

Pakosta stressed that Estonia's position is that the platforms themselves need to change rather than access being outright banned. She said the EU should require social networks to stop using prohibited mechanisms, and that existing restriction tools already available should simply be used more effectively. The minister recalled that methods for bypassing various restrictions have long existed and are used by both children and adults.

Scientists' conclusions surprised everyone

Pakosta noted that policymakers generally follow scientific advice, but the conclusions of a scientific council convened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised everyone: the council stated that restrictions are needed, but only for children under three years old. She said Estonia does not want to introduce unnecessary restrictions or make populist decisions.

Whether and how internet use in children's lives should be regulated — and whether this responsibility should fall to the state, schools, or parents — will be debated by guests and experts in the new episode of "Своя правда" on Monday, September 21, at 20:30 on ETV+.