Young people in Uppsala seek stronger social media protections

A new Mediemyndigheten survey finds seven in ten young people support an age limit on social media, ideally at 15 years. Rakel Skagerberg says younger users are more easily influenced. The study surveyed 1,745 people aged 15-24.

A recent Mediemyndigheten survey reveals that seven out of ten young people aged 15-24 support an age limit on social media. Most favoring it suggest 15 years as the threshold. It drew responses from 1,745 participants. Some 67 percent fully or partly agree that age verification would be beneficial. Key reasons cited include unrealistic body ideals, online hate and threats, and harm to mental health. Rakel Skagerberg states: “The younger you are, the more easily influenced you become.” Not everyone agrees. Farhan Hujja Tulla cautions: “I think there should be another way. Introducing age limits could become more restrictive than helpful.” The findings highlight youth concerns over harmful content, reported in an Uppsala context.

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