Czech Republic in favor of banning social media for children under 15

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Sunday he was in favor of banning the use of social media by children under the age of 15, as more and more European countries are considering similar restrictions.

Countries such as Spain, Greece, Britain and France are considering tougher stances on social media use, due to concerns over perceived negative effects on children.

Australia in December became the first country to ban access to these platforms for minors under 16.  

"I am in favor, because the experts I know say that this is extremely harmful for children. We must protect our children," Babis said in a video message published on Sunday on several of his social media accounts.

Meanwhile, the government's first deputy prime minister, Karel Havlicek, later said on a television show that the cabinet was seriously considering a proposal for a ban. He said legislation would be proposed within this year.

Spain and Greece proposed bans on social media use by teenagers last week, as attitudes in Europe harden against technology that some say is designed to be addictive. 

The measures announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have angered Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

Britain is considering a ban similar to Australia's, while France is working on a law that would ban the use of social networks by children under the age of 15.

Governments and regulators around the world are examining the impact of screen time on children's mental development and well-being.