Milatović in New York: Montenegro should restrict social media for under-16s

Photo: predsjednik.me

Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović said in New York that Montenegro should seriously consider restricting access to social media for children under 16.

Milatović took part in a high-level dialogue on children’s rights and protection in the age of artificial intelligence, which discussed the safety, privacy and well-being of children in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Milatović stressed that children today are growing up in a digital space that is changing far faster than the rules meant to protect them.

According to him, Montenegro should launch a broad debate with parents, experts, schools and young people, also looking at the experiences of countries already taking steps in this direction.

He said children should be given back the right to a healthy childhood independent of screens, filled with play, companionship, nature and real life.

In this context, he mentioned Spain and France, which have announced restrictions on social media access for under-16s, while the European Union is also developing new rules to strengthen the protection of children online.

The New York meeting also discussed the global initiative for children’s rights and protection in the age of artificial intelligence, which aims to make children’s safety, rights and well-being an integral part of the development and management of new technologies.

Milatović stressed that technology should create opportunities for children, not jeopardize their safety and development.