Andorra Bans Under-16s from Risky Social Media, Imposes Screen Time Limits

The Andorran government approved a bill on Tuesday modifying the Qualified Law on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, which prohibits under-16s from accessing social networks posing risks to their development or mental health and sets mandatory screen time guidelines by age group.

Interior Minister Marc Rossell, overseeing Public Function and Digital Transformation, outlined the measures during a Wednesday press conference after the Council of Ministers' approval. The bill, soon to enter parliamentary proceedings, includes a forthcoming regulation detailing banned platforms and usage limits for groups such as 0-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-12 years, and 12-16 years. Telecom operators like Andorra Telecom must equip SIM cards for under-16s with default filters blocking violent or pornographic content in searches and browsing.

Rossell described the changes as a "necessary and bold" step to counter digital risks including cyberbullying, social isolation, dependency, and privacy issues, likening them to threats from alcohol or tobacco. The reforms make parental oversight a legal obligation while affirming children's rights to safe digital access. A robust age verification system will restrict content, networks, and app downloads, preventing minors from using false information to circumvent controls. Non-banned networks will require parental authorization. The prohibited list will draw from local experts, UNICEF, and UN studies, with periodic reviews for emerging platforms.

Rossell noted technology's limitations, as adolescents might find workarounds, but emphasized complementary actions: digital education in school curricula on privacy and cyberbullying; training for families and educators via Andorra Digital; youth awareness campaigns; mandatory risk briefings from mobile retailers; and Andorra Telecom support for parental controls plus sensitization efforts. The Social Affairs ministry can probe vulnerability cases, like sleep loss from nighttime phone use. Criminal Code amendments to penalize violations remain in refinement.

Health leaders support the initiative. Joan Soler, SAAS head of Mental Health and Addictions, urged a "bold bet" on restrictions or bans, pointing to research showing screens impair brain development, concentration, attention, and trigger addictive dopamine responses from short videos on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. He called for rethinking parenting to prioritize education and psychological growth over digital interactions, stressing limits safeguard development. Dr. Maria Giró recently voiced similar views at a Sant Julià conference, grounded in studies. Rossell added that parents hold the "obligation and duty" to actively supervise digital use through controls.