Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has called for stronger protections for children online, signaling openness to a potential social media ban for minors. Her remarks, made in an interview with SonntagsBlick newspaper, come after Australia implemented a ban this year prohibiting social media access for users under 16.
"The debate in Australia and the EU is important. It must also be conducted in Switzerland," said Baume-Schneider, a member of the center-left Social Democrats. "We must better protect our children." She emphasized the need to address harmful algorithms and content targeting young users, with formal discussions set to begin in early 2026.
The proposal follows recent local action in Switzerland, including a mobile phone ban for students under 15 in Fribourg schools enacted earlier this month. While parent groups have welcomed such measures, tech companies and free speech advocates argue they risk overreach.
Baume-Schneider stressed that platforms must take greater responsibility for youth safety, stating: "We mustn't forget social media companies themselves." Her office plans to release a comprehensive report to guide policy development in 2026.
