"Social media prohibited for under 14s": Stefani launches a bill

Social media prohibited for children under 14 years of age. No exceptions. The proposal comes from Veneto, from a Northern League governor, Alberto Stefaniwho since the day of his inauguration seems to have made social issues his guiding star. And it is not, as you can easily imagine, a regional law but one national law proposal destined to end up on Roman tables. In fact, it should not be forgotten that the regions can propose laws that apply to the entire national territory. The process involves their discussion and approval in the regional councils, to then be transmitted to the House or Senate and follow the ordinary process of other laws, with discussion and possible approval. According to what Stefani himself hypothesized, approval could be achieved “within two-three months”.

On the day “the bill was filed in the regional council” on governor Stefani tells AGI the reason for this idea which would follow the example of countries that have already introduced the ban, such as Australia.

Why this bill? Was there a trigger event?

“I was very struck by the statements of the parents of the 13-year-old who stabbed his teacher in Bergamo. But not only that. I have been mayor and I know what hardships some families go through, due to the abuse of social networks by the little ones. And then I have also been a parliamentarian and the last bill I presented as a deputy, at the beginning of last autumn, aimed precisely at this: banning social media for children under 14”.

And her? What relationship do you have with social media?

“A normal relationship, I use them to communicate my political and administrative activity. But compared to very young people I have an advantage: I have learned about the world and the relationships between people even without the mediation of social media.”

Aren’t you afraid of antagonizing a good portion of the world of young and very young people by doing so?

“My goal And do something good. After that, I must admit that my proposal met with widespread approval. I receive hundreds of messages every day from grateful parents and grandparents. And yet many young people write to me, confessing that they have problems, confirming that social networks could be the cause and that, going back, they would have waited at least 14 years before opening a virtual profile”.

But to a teenager or pre-teen, how could you explain a bill that limits them so much?

“I repeat: I haven’t received great criticism and in any case, when we talk about blocking under 14 years of age, we are not talking about teenagers, but about something else. In any case, what I can say is that there is a life made of relationships, of open air, of curious glances, far from the conformism and violence of social media. What we only want is for all young people to be able to live it, outside the digital prison”.

And in Rome? How do you expect this proposal will be received?

“I hope well. The Veneto Region is moving forward, but the government and majority have already shown great sensitivity. It is no coincidence that an amendment has been tabled for the introduction of digital identity”.