Lisbon, July 1, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's National Ethics Council for Life Sciences and the Spanish Bioethics Committee have called for the adoption of effective mechanisms to verify the age of social media users and supported a ban on mobile phones in schools.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the two institutions also advocated for the creation of a public social network, financed by European funds, similar to those that exist in several countries for television, radio, and cinema.
The two entities from Portugal and Spain defended their position during the 34th National Forum of Ethics Councils, which took place on Thursday and Friday in Warsaw.
The organisers released the conclusions, presenting them as “the first Iberian recommendations for the mental health of children and adolescents”.
Among the most relevant aspects are the need to regulate the use of social networks to foster responsible interaction and healthy engagement, to promote digital literacy among families and civil society, and to require technology companies to implement effective mechanisms for verifying the age of users, as well as to adopt practices that encourage balanced behaviour.
"This work stems from an in-depth reflection between the two ethics councils and seeks to address a growing concern across Europe about the protective effects of social media on children and adolescents," said the National Ethics Council for Life Sciences in a statement.
The two bodies also advocate allowing mobile phones in schools only from the 7th grade onwards and encouraging their more limited use between the 7th and 9th years.
“These initial proposals also point to the importance of regaining European sovereignty in the digital space through the creation of a publicly funded social network that reflects Europe’s common values, similar to what already exists in several countries with television, radio and cinema,” the Council added.
In Spain, the Organic Law on the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments is currently under discussion, which aims to regulate access to digital platforms and introduce age verification mechanisms.
“In Portugal, the Programme of the 25th Constitutional Government, approved in June 2025, includes a commitment to legislate on the ethical governance of the digital environment,” the document states that "Among the measures planned are the strengthening of digital literacy, the setting of limits on the use of devices by children and young people, the promotion of responsible use of technologies and the involvement of schools, families and technology companies in the protection of minors in the digital space".
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre has already stated that the policy promoting mobile phone-free learning will apply to primary and secondary school pupils attending public and private educational establishments.
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