As millions of Formula 1 fans spend Grand Prix weekend glued to their phones following every twist and turn from Monaco, the Principality is leading a very different conversation on the future of social media…
While social platforms have become an essential part of modern life, Monaco is using its current Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to highlight growing concerns about their impact on young people.
The issue was at the centre of a major day of dialogue in Strasbourg on May 5, bringing together politicians, healthcare professionals and digital experts to examine the effects of social media on children’s mental health. Discussions focused on rising levels of anxiety, sleep disorders, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and misinformation, as well as the challenge of balancing online freedoms with stronger protections for minors.
The debate comes as Monaco’s National Council unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at protecting children under the age of 15 from the risks associated with social media use.
According to figures presented during the discussions, nearly nine out of ten secondary school students in Monaco spend more than two hours a day on social media during weekends and holidays, while more than two-thirds believe they spend too much time online.
Representing Monaco in Strasbourg, Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino underlined the need to protect younger generations while preserving access to information and digital innovation. The exchanges will help shape future initiatives already being developed in the Principality as Monaco seeks to place youth wellbeing at the heart of the European conversation on digital life.
Image: Studio RP