Education Minister Daniel David rejects the idea of banning children from social media, arguing that technology is part of today’s reality and those who are excluded are left behind.
Invited on Wednesday, December 3, during a show on Digi24, the Minister of Education, Daniel David, said that he does not support the banning of children and teenagers’ access to social networks, stressing that the solution is not to exclude technology, but to use it in a controlled and safe way. In the context in which we are experiencing a major technological transformation, society must adapt, not react with rigid restrictions, he says.
“We live in an industrial revolution. Technology is here to stay. I always avoid bans, but I’m all for their control. We are the measure of this technology, so let’s use it well. I would rather encourage parental controls, which are much more useful, especially for teenagers, so for those over 14. If you start banning things for children who are in their teenage years, I’m very afraid that they will find ways hidden from their parents to get there anyway. I’m not on the contrary, I’m just saying think twice,” explained the minister, when asked about the idea of banning minors’ access to social networks.
Daniel David not only does not support the prohibition of access to social networks, but even warns that young people who do not have contact with the online environment may be at a disadvantage in a world that is constantly digitizing.
“If they’re already teenagers and they’re not exposed to the internet and social media in a controlled, safe, parentally controlled area, that’s a problem because with the industrial revolution we’re going through, I’m afraid they’re going to be left behind. So let’s do things carefully, neither overexpose to the point of pathology, nor go into a logic of fear to ban things.” said the minister.
Daniel David recalled the measures adopted by Romania for the use of mobile phones in schools, insisting on the need for flexible rules, adapted to current realities, instead of absolute bans that risk being ineffective and even counterproductive.
“Several countries have taken steps to to ban phones mobile phones, we have taken the necessary measures, during classes phones are prohibited, but they can be used for educational purposes with the consent of the teacher, so we had a balanced attitude and that is what I would recommend regarding social networks as well”, stated the Minister of Education.
