The protection of children in the digital space must be a priority of the state

The non-governmental organization EU Harmonija believes that the issue of protecting children in the digital space must become one of the more important social and institutional issues in Montenegro. The increasingly widespread and earlier exposure of children to social networks carries numerous risks to their psychological, social, and educational development, which is why it is necessary to consider the introduction of clearer rules and mechanisms for controlling minors’ access to these platforms. Today, children spend a significant amount of time on social networks, often without adequate supervision and without developed capacities to recognize the potential dangers of the digital environment. Numerous international studies indicate that excessive use of social networks can have negative consequences for the mental health of children and adolescents, including increased anxiety, decreased self-confidence, attention disorders, exposure to cyberbullying, as well as the development of addiction to digital content. The NGO EU Harmonija believes that introducing restrictions on access to social networks for children under the age of 16, along with adequate age verification mechanisms, could significantly contribute to healthier child development. Such a measure would allow children to devote more time to education, sports, creative activities, and direct social interaction, which is crucial for their proper emotional and social development. In this regard, we believe that the competent institutions in Montenegro should consider the following steps: introducing an age verification system when opening accounts on social networks; the possibility of mandatory parental or guardian consent for users under the age of 16; improving the legislative framework related to child protection on the internet; strengthening the education of parents, teachers, and children on the safe use of digital technologies; launching public campaigns on the impact of social networks on child development. It is encouraging that in Europe there is increasing discussion about the need to regulate this area. As a positive example, the initiative of Spain can be mentioned, which plans to introduce stricter age verification mechanisms for access to social networks in order to limit their availability to children under the age of 16. Such examples show that states are approaching the protection of children in the digital space with increasing seriousness. The NGO EU Harmonija believes that Montenegro, as a society striving toward European standards and modern child protection policies, should in a timely manner initiate a public debate and consider the introduction of similar solutions that would contribute to a safer and healthier digital environment for the youngest. The protection of children in modern digital society must be a shared responsibility of institutions, parents, and society as a whole, because the quality and healthy development of children represent the foundation of the future of every state.