This country suggests banning TikTok and Instagram for children under 15.

The Dutch government today advised parents not to allow children under 15 to use social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. citing psychological and physical problems among children who use them, including panic attacks, depression, and difficulty sleeping.

The country's Ministry of Health also encouraged parents to limit their children's time using electronic devices, keep phones and laptops out of bedrooms, and have 20 minutes of screen time followed by two hours of outdoor play.

Vincent Karremans, acting deputy minister of youth and sport, said in a letter to parliament that the recommendation "gives children the time to further develop digital resilience and media literacy" Karremans is one of several ministers who remained in office after the Dutch government collapsed earlier this month, pending elections in October.

Both TikTok and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old.

The guidelines, which are not legally binding, distinguish between "social media" sites like TikTok and Instagram and "social interaction platforms" like the messaging services WhatsApp and Signal. Social media sites have "significantly more addictive design features" that have a negative impact on children, the government stated.

According to the recommendations, children can use messaging services from the age of 13, the age at which most Dutch people start secondary school.

Last year, Australia became the first country in the world to ban children under 16 using social media . Denmark and France are considering similar legislation, and Sweden issued recommendations on limiting screen time for children last year.

A group of experts, convened at the request of the Dutch Parliament, found that intensive use of screens and social media can result in physical and psychological problems in children.

Dutch schools have banned students from using tablets, cell phones, and smartwatches, with some exceptions, such as media literacy classes.

Last May, some 1,400 doctors and child welfare experts in the Netherlands signed a public letter calling on the government to ban cell phones for children under 14 and restrict social media use until the age of 16.

In February, the Queen of the Netherlands said her youngest daughter, Princess Ariane, was experiencing vision problems from spending too much time on mobile devices.

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