Moscow: The Russian parliament, known as the State Duma, has proposed a new regulation that seeks to ban internet access for children under the age of 14. The head of the parliamentary committee on family protection suggested that internet access should only be granted to children when they receive a passport.
According to Anadolu Agency, Nina Ostanina, head of the Committee for Family Protection, emphasized that this proposal aims to safeguard children's physical and mental health while also protecting them from online fraud. Ostanina further stated that parents should guide their children to limit gadget usage.
Earlier in the week, Russian Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov mentioned that discussions are underway regarding the potential ban on mobile phone use for children below a certain age. He noted that no decision has been finalized yet, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
Kravtsov expressed his concerns in an interview with the Russian podcast channel Empathy Manuchi, criticizing the practice of giving smartphones or tablets to children as young as three to prevent them from distracting their parents. He highlighted the potential negative impact on children's psychological development.