site.btaBulgaria to Hold Discussion on Social Media Use by Children on November 20

Bulgaria will hold a national discussion on the use of social media by children and young people under the age of 15 on November 20, Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev announced during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science on Wednesday. The initiative comes amid growing concerns across Europe about the harmful and addictive effects of social media on young users.

Minister Valchev noted that the debate is already underway in several countries, including Australia, France, Spain, Norway, Greece, and Denmark. Denmark, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has launched a pan-European initiative to restrict social media use among children and adolescents under 15.

Valchev emphasized the need for a broad public debate in Bulgaria, citing scientific studies that show significant negative impacts on children's brain development from excessive social media use.

The discussion on November 20 will be organized in cooperation with the parliamentary committees on education, healthcare, child and demographic policy. Experts, parents, doctors, psychologists, representatives of the Danish presidency, and technology companies will be invited to participate and share their views on the issue.