On the International Day dedicated to social media (30 June), Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, listened to young people as they spoke about the impact that social media has on their lives, and their expectations regarding how these platforms can help them become more active participants.
The meeting with adolescent youths was the first in a series of sessions planned by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms. The aim is to explore how social media can serve as a tool for information and eventually implement reforms to curb the negative effects these platforms may have, particularly on children.
During the introductory remarks, the Parliamentary Secretary stated that through this exercise she wants to hear more from young people about their experiences using various social media platforms to both communicate and inform themselves, and the influence such media has on their lives.
From the meeting, it became clear that there are significant variations in how different age groups use these technological tools. The discussion highlighted several facts, including the long hours; sometimes more than six per day, that some spend on social media platforms.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg acknowledged that social media have become tools and vehicles for information, but she also made it clear that there are risks and abuses associated with the misuse of these platforms. She mentioned that, as in other countries, here in Malta conversations are also rising among parents about the need for controls to ensure social media are not harmful, especially for children.
She emphasised that this discussion must be conducted warmly and without hindering freedom of expression.
