Mexico Explores Social Media Restrictions for Minors

Mexico is contemplating the introduction of social media restrictions for minors, similar to those implemented in Australia, according to Public Education Secretary Mario Delgado.

As concerns about children's excessive screen time and exposure to harmful online content escalate, several countries are tightening age restrictions on social media platforms.

Delgado noted that the government has initiated discussions with various civil society groups, including educators and parents, aiming to formulate regulatory proposals by June.

Since December, Australia has mandated that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat remove accounts belonging to users under the age of 16, with noncompliance resulting in hefty fines.

Meanwhile, French lawmakers recently approved a ban on social media for users under 15, pending Senate ratification. Other countries, including Britain, Spain, Denmark, India, Indonesia, and Portugal, are also considering similar measures.

Delgado emphasized the state's responsibility in safeguarding and educating minors, stating, "The state has the responsibility for the guardianship and education of minors. And that's where we should think about setting certain limits."

He criticized platforms like Meta, Facebook, and TikTok for prioritizing follower counts over the emotional well-being of children, highlighting risks such as exposure to violent or pornographic content and cyberbullying.

While advocating for a ban, Delgado insisted that the decision should emerge from grassroots input, reflecting the experiences of parents, communities, and educators. He also suggested that tech companies should have a voice in the conversation, aiming for a culture of responsible and critical digital engagement.

Australian officials report that their restrictions have resulted in decreased cyberbullying and improved student focus in schools. As a father of a teenager, Delgado expressed support for the Australian model while acknowledging the challenges of managing children's social media usage.

Currently, there are no plans to ban mobile devices in public schools in Mexico, despite Brazil and Chile having introduced regulations prohibiting non-emergency smartphone use by children in educational settings.