The Russian Education Minister, Sergei Kravtsov, spoke in an interview on Channel One about children’s access to the internet and social networks. He stated that children under the age of 15 should refrain from using the internet and from engaging with social media. Kravtsov argued that a young person should experience life without a simulated digital world until reaching that milestone, and he claimed that his position is supported by psychologists and scientists who study child development.
The minister also shared a personal example, mentioning that he gave his daughter a keypad for her fifteenth birthday. This detail underscored his belief in guiding teenagers toward responsible, age-appropriate technology use rather than exposing them to online environments early on.
In a broader view, Vitaly Fomin, an information security specialist with the League of Digital Economy, discussed common online risks facing children. He pointed to issues such as fraud in online games, cyberbullying, and the dangers of online dating. He also warned about the ease with which young users might share confidential information on social networks and the potential consequences of exposing themselves or others in this way. Fomin noted that scenes of violence and the use of illegal drugs and alcohol can appear in online content and networks, posing significant threats to youth safety. He offered practical guidance for parents and guardians on reducing these risks and keeping children secure as they navigate digital spaces. The emphasis remained on proactive monitoring, open communication, and age-appropriate limits across devices and platforms.
Overall, the discussion reflects a consistent concern among policymakers and security experts about protecting minors online. It highlights the tension between fostering digital literacy and safeguarding children from harmful content. While experts advocate for careful, gradual exposure to online environments, they also stress the importance of educating families about privacy settings, healthy online behavior, and responsible sharing. By combining professional insight with practical steps, families can help young people benefit from digital tools while minimizing potential harms. The ongoing dialogue demonstrates a commitment to balancing innovation with child welfare, ensuring that the online age-appropriate guidelines evolve in step with new technologies and evolving online cultures.