ZMOS: Society Should Start Debate on Regulation of Social Networks

Bratislava, May 15 (TASR) - Society should start a discussion on the regulation of social networks, and in relation to children in particular, said chairman of the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS) Jozef Bozik at a press conference on Thursday following a meeting with Commissioner for Children Jozef Miklosko and director of an NGO called IPcko Marek Madro. According to him, social networks should be available to young people only after they have completed compulsory schooling, or as of the age of 16. Bozik pointed to the growing problem of cyber-bullying among children and adolescents. "Cyber-bullying has caused big problems in Slovakia and still does. Classic bullying, according to the data of the children's commissioner, is going down slightly, but cyber-bullying is increasing. We know that social media and streaming services are a kind of major driver or connector that creates space for it," stated Bozik, adding that the discussion should be society-wide and that the topic should also be raised with the political opposition. ZMOS plans to invite government officials to address the issue at its upcoming congress. Miklosko called on political representatives to deal with the matter. Slovakia, he said, should join other European countries calling for Europe-wide regulation of social networks in this respect. He also mentioned that France has a ministry dedicated to the digital space. This should be a cross-ministerial issue in Slovakia, he added. am/df