In today’s digital landscape, the question of how we protect our children from potential harm on social media is no longer optional, it is essential. As a mother, I have seen how easily a scroll, a post or a message can influence, distract or even disturb a young mind. At the same time, I recognise that social media also offers connection, creativity and community. The challenge lies in how we guide rather than forbid, how we educate rather than simply restrict and how we ensure our children grow up with our values entirely.
The Malta Labour Party has placed this subject firmly on the agenda. While we might not agree on every detail, I believe we must open the dialogue, for the common good of our children’s wellbeing and to safeguard our principles and values in today’s social dynamics.
Social media platforms are designed to grab attention. They optimise for likes, shares and engagement, not for the nuanced development of a child’s self-esteem or critical thinking. Children may compare themselves to glossy, filtered realities. They may be exposed to content that is inappropriate for their age. They may suffer from distraction, anxiety, or worse. These are real risks.
The Malta Labour Party recognises these challenges and has proposed several measures:
Age-appropriate regulation which will enhance ensuring that children under a certain age have limited access or that platforms verify age more rigorously.
Digital literacy education assist in ensuring that our schools teach children how to navigate social media,how to spot misinformation, how to engage safely, how to understand the effects.
On the other hand, parental support and awarenesshe recognition is also crucial so that parents get the empowerment needed too, they need tools, guidance and community to make sense of what their children are doing online.
Encouraging conversations in our homes, schools and communities about respect, kindness, self-worth, privacy, time-management and boundaries increase community and values building.
A Mother’s Heart-View
From the vantage point of a mother, I want to trust that when the time comes and my son logs on, he is entering a space that enhances his growth, not one that diminishes it. I want him to feel free, curious, creative but also secure, grounded and reflective. In addition, I would want my son and the upcoming generation to know that their worth is not measured in likes, their friendships not in followers, their real-life moments not in curated reels.
So, yes, I ask for restrictions where needed, but also for guidance. I ask for less screen time, but more meaningful involvement. Furthermore, I ask that we don’t demonise social media entirely, it has its benefits, but we must teach our children and ourselves how to use it well. This leads me to looking forward to depict the Malta Labour Party’s focus on this issue to translate into real policy, real action, and real everyday support for parents.
We may not agree on everything, what age is appropriate, how much time is too much, how we balance freedom with protection. But what we must do is talk. Over kitchen tables, in schools, with friends, and in national policies. We must bring parents, educators, tech-experts and children into the conversation. This is not just about devices and apps, it is about our children, their mental health, their relationships, their future.
In the end, we hold dear our Maltese values community, kindness, respect, family. Let us make sure that the digital world does not erode them, but rather supports them. Let us safeguard both our children and our values.
