Estonia prioritises prevention to protect young people online

Estonia is stepping up its efforts to improve young people’s safety online, amid European concerns over the effects of digital technology on their mental health.

According to information reported by Euronews Next, Estonian authorities are prioritising a preventive approach. They are not opting for a blanket ban on social media for young people.

A prevention-focused response

Estonia’s approach is part of a broader European drive to improve the protection of minors in digital spaces. The issue includes online safety and consideration of young people’s mental health in the age of social media platforms.

By choosing prevention, Estonia is setting itself apart from a response based on an overall ban on social media. However, the available information does not specify either the concrete measures being considered or their implementation timetable.

A European debate on protecting minors

This initiative comes as young people’s online safety has become an issue of concern across Europe. Estonia’s position reflects a desire to address the risks associated with digital use without resorting to a blanket exclusion from social media.