Digital safety for children: why bans don't work and what needs to change Modern children start using the Internet at the age of three. The analytical center VTsIOM published a report on the protection of minors in the digital environment, in which it identified 13 types of threats - from accidental exposure to destructive content and peer bullying to leaks of personal data and involvement in illegal activities, such as abortion or "quests" that end in actual crimes. The degree of risk depends on age and place of residence. Preschool children aged 3-6 are not yet independent users; Their parents filter the content for them. Schoolchildren aged 7-9 are already making in-game purchases on their own, interacting with adults and dealing with bullying. For teenagers aged 10-17, the range of threats is wider: extortion, manipulation, disinformation. The risk is highest in technologically developed areas, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where Internet access is maximum and children spend more time online. Global practice still does not provide a clear solution Australia, which was the first to legally ban social networks for children under 16, faced the fact that the proportion of teenagers with accounts fell by just 4%, while more than 80% continued to use the platforms. A review of 50 16+ test accounts on nine Australian platforms showed none required additional verification. In Russia, 59% of citizens support restrictions on children under 16, but only 12% support a complete ban on social networks. A safe environment involves filtering dangerous content, parental controls and time limits - similar to how we teach children offline to cross the road and not talk to strangers, instead of banning them from going outside. The weak point of the Russian model is fragmentation. The departments work separately, there is no overall picture. A single coordinating body will help - not a new department, but an interdepartmental platform.

Digital safety for children: why bans don't work and what needs to change Modern children start using the Internet at the age of three. The analytical center VTsIOM published a report on the protection of minors in the digital environment, in which it identified 13 types of threats - from accidental exposure to destructive content and peer bullying to leaks of personal data and involvement in illegal activities, such as abortion or "quests" that end in actual crimes. The degree of risk depends on age and place of residence. Preschool children aged 3-6 are not yet independent users; Their parents filter the content for them. Schoolchildren aged 7-9 are already making in-game purchases on their own, interacting with adults and dealing with bullying. For teenagers aged 10-17, the range of threats is wider: extortion, manipulation, disinformation. The risk is highest in technologically developed areas, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where Internet access is maximum and children spend more time online. Global practice still does not provide a clear solution Australia, which was the first to legally ban social networks for children under 16, faced the fact that the proportion of teenagers with accounts fell by just 4%, while more than 80% continued to use the platforms. A review of 50 16+ test accounts on nine Australian platforms showed none required additional verification. In Russia, 59% of citizens support restrictions on children under 16, but only 12% support a complete ban on social networks. A safe environment involves filtering dangerous content, parental controls and time limits - similar to how we teach children offline to cross the road and not talk to strangers, instead of banning them from going outside. The weak point of the Russian model is fragmentation. The departments work separately, there is no overall picture. A single coordinating body will help - not a new department, but an interdepartmental platform.