On the occasion of UNESCO's International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying, Momentum renews its call for a culture of safety, respect and digital wellbeing for every young person. This year's theme, "Screen Smart: Learning to be Safe in the Digital Era," reminds us that technology should empower, not endanger, our children.

Momentum affirms its support for a national ban on social media use for children under 16, as in the Australian model. This is necessary to protect childhood, restore balance in young lives, and prioritise mental health and learning over digital dependency.

"Our children deserve the chance to grow, play and learn free from online pressure, comparison and harm," said Natasha Azzopardi, executive member of Momentum. "This is not about restricting freedom, it's about giving childhood back to our children. Social media can wait; childhood cannot."

A positive vision for the future

Momentum believes that protecting children online is not an act of fear, but an act of hope. The party supports a national conversation to:

Promote digital well-being through age-appropriate technology use and family-led digital literacy;

Support a ban on social media accounts for under-16s, in line with growing global evidence linking early social media exposure to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying;

Collaborate with schools and parents to help children build healthy online habits and focus on real friendships, creativity and learning;

Empower students as digital citizens, capable of using technology ethically and responsibly as they mature;

Setting screen-free zones and times, and encouraging offline activities. Promote physical activities, hobbies, and other screen-free interests to ensure a balance;

Educating parents and children about online risks, such as privacy and cyberbullying, and promoting critical thinking.

Azzopardi adds that "This is not about going backwards,  it's about moving forward wisely in protecting our children from online harm while fostering innovation, empathy, and resilience."