Maia Sandu
The head of state drew attention to the fact that modern childhood differs significantly from what it used to be.
“Our children are growing up in a world that is very different from the one we grew up in. Real social life – with friends, colleagues, family – is gradually being replaced by online life: inauthentic, without physical presence, without real relationships,” Maya Sandu said.
The President emphasized that the Internet brings not only opportunities, but also serious risks for children and teenagers.
“The Internet brings opportunities, but at the same time it brings more and more risks: anxiety, social pressure, sleep disorders, harmful content. More and more data indicate that the situation is alarming,” the head of state said.
Maia Sandu said that consultations with parents, teachers, doctors, psychologists and youth representatives will be organized in the nearest future in order to work out effective solutions to reduce risks in the digital space.
“Just as we protect children in everyday life, we must take care of them in the virtual environment as well. The Internet should not be a threat to them, but a space where they can develop,” the President emphasized.
Adopting EU practices
International Safer Internet Day is an initiative of the European Commission launched in 2004. Currently, it is celebrated in about 190 countries and territories around the world.
Michelle Iliev, state secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, said earlier that the state plans to register the first version of the Digital Services Act soon. This is an act of the European Union that essentially regulates the relationship with large online platforms.
“Already, as could be seen in the public space, Mrs. President has spoken about the need to regulate and even limit the use of social media by children. It remains to be determined how these measures will be integrated, as new rules are still under discussion at the European Union level as well. However, the basic document should be this very act,” Iliev explained.
She expressed doubts that it will be possible to do it this year.
