Green Paper on social media launched to protect children, vulnerable people
'Social media exerts certain pressures' - Michael Falzon
A Green Paper on social media was launched on Thursday as a springboard for public consultation to strengthen protections for children, adolescents and vulnerable people.
Speaking at a press conference, Children’s Rights Minister Michael Falzon said it was clear that there is still a lack of understanding regarding the regulatory age for social media use.
He pointed out that social media “exerts certain pressures”, particularly those related to perfection and attacks connected to cyberbullying.
“The government is opening this consultation to help prepare a legislative framework aimed at providing stronger safeguards, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents,” Falzon said.
Parliamentary Secreatry for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg said social media has created many realities, many of them positive, but others that are having a negative impact particularly on children, adolescents and vulnerable individuals. She explained that regulating social media is not easy due to its international context.
“There is a growing awareness that social media platforms cannot continue to operate without governments and authorities around the world looking at their effects,” Buttigieg said.
A technical committee is working on recommendations to the government on how protection can be provided to vulnerable individuals on social media and how digital education can be strengthened even among adults.
Buttigieg insisted that any reform “must be carried out with full respect for the fundamental right to freedom of expression”.
The consultation will be open until February 27, 2026. Submissions from the public can be made on the government’s official consultation website.