A general ban would unnecessarily restrict the ability of children and parents to act.

In addition to the important right to protection, the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child also includes the right to age-appropriate access to information and education as well as the right to participate in digital offerings, the Federal Commission for Children and Youth Affairs (FCYA) announced on Thursday.

+ Swiss children prefer outside play to smartphones

The commission therefore argues that clear rules and guidelines on media use should be developed together with children and young people. According to the FCYA, all those involved should not only be able to recognise and classify the risks associated with social media, but also its benefits and opportunities.

The commission is also in favour of regulating large online platforms.

The debate on banning mobile phones and social media recently got underway in several cantons: in the canton of Nidwalden, for example, mobile phones and other digital devices have been banned since the start of the 2025/2026 school year.

In Solothurn, on the other hand, each school is allowed to decide individually on a possible ban.

This content was published on Mar 18, 2025 Swiss lawmakers want to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of social media, like Tiktok and Instagram.