ZURICH, March 29 (Reuters) - The vast majority of Swiss want stronger protection for children and teenagers on social media, according to a survey published on Sunday, as governments and courts
Swiss Strongly Support Tougher Social Media Rules for Minors, Survey Finds
Survey Reveals Swiss Attitudes Toward Social Media Regulation for Minors
Public Opinion on Social Media Protection
ZURICH, March 29 (Reuters) - The vast majority of Swiss want stronger protection for children and teenagers on social media, according to a survey published on Sunday, as governments and courts worldwide intensify scrutiny of Big Tech over its impact on young users.
Legal and Political Developments
International Legal Actions
On Wednesday, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Alphabet's Google negligent for designing social media platforms that are harmful to young people, in a verdict that will serve as a bellwether for numerous similar cases.
Survey Findings and Swiss Government Response
The Swiss study by polling firm GfS Bern for the Mercator Foundation found 94% of respondents felt minors should be better protected from the damaging effects of social media, while 78% believed large technology firms have too much influence over public opinion.
Government Initiatives
Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume‑Schneider has said she is open to a potential ban on social media for youngsters. Her government is drafting legislation to regulate major online platforms, aiming to make them more transparent.
Regional Context
The poll's publication in newspaper SonntagsZeitung follows a decision by neighbouring Austria on Friday to pursue a ban on social media use for children under 14.
Survey Methodology
The GfS Bern survey polled about 1,000 Swiss residents aged 16 and above between December 1 and 12. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points, the paper said.
(Writing by Dave GrahamEditing by Ros Russell)
