LAC Researchers Contribute to an International Assessment on Social Media Age Restrictions
Researchers from the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) have contributed to an international assessment examining the potential benefits and drawbacks of age restrictions on social media use. The report was prepared within the framework of the broader European research project EU Kids Online in response to ongoing policy discussions on children's safety in digital environments.
“Public debates often assume that stricter age restrictions automatically lead to greater safety. Our data reveal a much more complex picture – the potential benefits are not straightforward, while the losses in terms of social connections, access to information, and participation may be significant. There is a risk that, in trying to protect children from certain risks, we may simultaneously deprive them of important opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to consider not only what children may lose by accessing social media, but also what they may lose if access is restricted,” emphasises researcher Gints Klāsons.
While protecting children in digital environments remains an important objective, researchers argue that social media bans alone cannot solve all issues related to children's online safety. The report highlights that, alongside technical restrictions, equal attention should be paid to developing digital literacy, strengthening parental involvement, increasing platform accountability, and creating safer digital environments for children. It also raises broader questions about balancing child protection with children’s rights to participate fully in digital life.
For more than twenty years, the EU Kids Online research network has been investigating children’s and young people’s internet use, digital opportunities, risks, and well-being. The network brings together researchers from more than 30 countries, including Latvia. The full report is available here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/media-and-communications/research/research-projects/eu-kids-online/reports-and-findings/AgeBans
EU Kids Online is one of the leading international research networks examining children’s and young people’s internet use, digital opportunities, risks, and digital well-being. The network connects researchers from more than 30 countries and regularly contributes evidence-based insights to international discussions on children’s lives in digital environments.
Information prepared by
Aija Lūse Research Communication Specialist
Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies, Latvian Academy of Culture
aija.luse@lka.edu.lv | +371 29107218