The Dutch government on Tuesday recommended that children under the age of 15 avoid using platforms like TikTok and Instagram, warning of the negative effects these social networks can have on young users’ mental and physical health, including panic attacks, depression, and sleep disorders.
The Ministry of Health also urged parents to limit their children’s screen time, keep electronic devices out of bedrooms, and adopt a routine of 20 minutes of screen use followed by at least two hours of outdoor play.
Vincent Karremans, Acting Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, stated in a letter to Parliament that these recommendations aim to “give children the time they need to further develop digital resilience and media literacy.” Karremans is among several ministers who remain in office following the collapse of the Dutch government earlier this month, ahead of snap elections in October.
While both TikTok and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old, the Dutch government warned that these platforms have “significantly more addictive design features” that negatively impact children. The guidelines distinguish between social networks like TikTok and Instagram and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, which are considered less harmful and permitted from age 13—when most Dutch children start secondary school.
Though the guidelines are not legally binding, they reflect a growing global concern. Last year, Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16. Denmark and France are exploring similar legislation, while Sweden issued recommendations to limit children’s screen time in 2023.
In the Netherlands, a panel of experts convened by Parliament found that excessive screen and social media use can lead to serious physical and psychological problems in children. Dutch schools have already restricted the use of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in class, with exceptions for media literacy lessons.
The issue has also raised alarms among health professionals. In May, around 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts signed a public letter calling on the government to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and restrict social media use until age 16.
Even the royal family has addressed the concern. In February, Queen Máxima revealed that her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, had developed vision problems due to excessive time spent on electronic devices.
