Federal government sees opportunities and dangers for young people in the new media
98 percent of Swiss teenagers own a cell phone, and almost all of them have a smartphone. 76 percent have their own computer. According to the federal government, this presents both opportunities and risks.
It therefore wants to combine educational and regulatory measures in the protection of minors. The rapid development of new communication technologies, their use by ever younger children and practically unlimited Internet access pose challenges for the protection of minors. The 3rd National Expert Forum on the Protection of Minors from Harmful Media in Bern offered 350 experts the opportunity to shed light on and discuss these challenges. It was opened on Monday by Federal Councillor Alain Berset. The dangers lurking on the internet include access to inappropriate content such as violence or pornography, cyberbullying or sexual abuse. However, the new media also offer opportunities for the learning and development process, emphasized Berset according to a statement from the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO). Effective youth protection must therefore take into account both the positive aspects, the skills to be promoted and prevention.
Combined strategy
Berset referred in particular to the Federal Council's decision, presented and widely discussed in May, which provides for a combined strategy with educational and regulatory measures in future. For example, there is now a national contact point for youth media protection where interested parties can find up-to-date information and assistance for everyday parenting. However, the Federal Council believes that there are gaps or problems with implementation when it comes to regulation. To date, for example, there is no standardized age of admission for cinema films throughout Switzerland. According to the press release, the effectiveness of youth protection filters on the Internet is also inadequate. And too many young people are able to obtain films and video games that are unsuitable for their age group - according to test purchases, around half fall through the net. The federal government will now examine whether the media industry's self-regulation should be tightened and supplemented at the legislative level. In addition, more international cooperation is to be sought in the internet sector. The event in Bern marked the conclusion of the national "Youth and Media" program launched in 2010 to promote media skills. From 2016, activities at federal level will be continued indefinitely, together with the cantons, private organizations and players in the media industry. (SDA)
