Malta must act now to protect children online, Momentum says<\/p>\n
Momentum has called on the government to move swiftly on plans to regulate children’s access to social media, arguing that Malta cannot afford to delay measures aimed at protecting young people from the harmful effects of online platforms.<\/p>\n
The party said that relying on social media companies to voluntarily safeguard children has proven ineffective, insisting that meaningful change will only come when governments collectively push back against the practices of major technology firms.<\/p>\n
“Waiting on social media platforms to voluntarily protect our children is a lost cause,” Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said. He argued that tech companies have consistently refused to curb features designed to maximise user engagement and addiction, and will only act when faced with sufficient international pressure.<\/p>\n
Momentum urged Malta to become part of the growing global movement seeking to impose age-based restrictions on social media use. According to the party, such measures would provide immediate protection for children while also contributing to wider efforts to force technology companies to adopt safer practices.<\/p>\n
The call follows an announcement made by Prime Minister Robert Abela last October that Malta intends to introduce age regulations for social media users. Initial restrictions are expected to apply to children under the age of 13, although the government has indicated that the measures could eventually be extended to older age groups.<\/p>\n
Momentum maintained that technology companies have repeatedly prioritised profits over children’s wellbeing and are unlikely to reform their platforms voluntarily. It argued that governments must intervene to address concerns surrounding addictive algorithms, cyberbullying and the negative impact social media can have on young people’s mental health.<\/p>\n
As outlined in its 2026 electoral manifesto, the party supports restricting access to social media for children under the age of 16. It said such a policy would help shield young people from cyberbullying, unrealistic social expectations and other online pressures that can affect mental wellbeing, concentration and sleep patterns.<\/p>\n
The party also stressed that Malta’s participation would strengthen international efforts to hold technology companies accountable. Momentum noted that several countries have already moved in this direction, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom, while similar debates are taking place across Europe in countries such as Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Greece.<\/p>\n
Momentum warned that every delay leaves more children vulnerable to online harms and exposed to algorithms designed to maximise screen time and engagement.<\/p>\n
Reiterating its position, the party said that protecting children online should be treated as an urgent national priority. It called on the government to place the issue high on its legislative agenda and move ahead with the promised reforms without further delay.<\/p>\n
According to Momentum, Malta should not wait for other countries to take the lead before acting, but instead take proactive steps to ensure that young people are better protected in the digital environment.<\/p>\n