VIENNA: The Austrian government has announced plans to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, alongside introducing media literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) education into the school curriculum.
The announcement was made by the Vice Chancellor during a press conference, where concerns were raised about the growing impact of social media platforms on young users.
In this sense, the officials mentioned that excessive exposure to digital platforms is negatively affecting children’s mental health, behavior, and overall development.
The Vice Chancellor focused on that, similar to restrictions placed on other sensitive content, it has become necessary to establish age limits for social media usage. “Protecting children from harmful online influences is a priority, and clear regulations are required to ensure their well-being,” he stated.
So far, the government officials confirmed that the proposed ban will be implemented across the country. Austria also intends to advocate for similar measures at the European Union level, aiming to establish broader protections for children against online risks and digital exploitation.
The government has introduced significant educational reforms. Starting from the academic year 2027–28, media literacy and artificial intelligence will be formally integrated into the higher secondary school curriculum.
The initiative is designed to equip students with the skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.
