The survey is meant to help a ministerial working group find ways to reduce social media harms.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has asked parents and guardians to share their views on children’s use of social media platforms via an online survey.
The survey is available in Finnish, Swedish and English, and responses can be submitted until the closing date of Sunday 11 October.
According to the ministry, the survey’s responses will help inform a ministry-appointed working group’s study, entitled Protecting Children and Young People from the Harms of Social Media.
The call-out comes in the wake of the European Union announcing last week that it plans to restrict social media access for kids under the age of 15. The move could see the introduction of age limits for social media platforms, restrictions on addictive online games, as well as other protective measures concerning children and young people.
There has been widespread discussion in Finland about the harmful effects social media can have on kids, in particular since Australia introduced a ban at the end of last year.
A survey published last month found that more than half of Finns support banning children under 15 from using social media.
Yle News’ All Points North podcast delved into the debate around the introduction of a ban on social media for under-15s earlier this year. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
