Prime Minister Robert Abela addressed the ‘Meet in the Med’ conference, organised by Malta’s National Council for Youth, commending the attendees’ efforts to foster cooperation and advance youth development across the southern Mediterranean. He praised young people as “the engine that drives progress”, emphasizing their role in creating cleaner, safer communities that align with shared aspirations for a prosperous future.

Robert Abela noted the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting initiatives like the Youth Advisory Forum, where young people contribute insights on critical issues such as climate change, education, and employment. He also acknowledged Glenn Micallef’s nomination for European Commissioner, a position that could directly influence EU youth policy.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister advocated for peace beyond borders, reinforcing the need for regional stability and inclusion, values that he says unite the Mediterranean youth. Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Malta’s initiatives like Vote 16 and Youth Proofing, which give young people an active role in shaping policy. He encouraged other nations to adopt similar approaches for a youth-cantered, inclusive policy environment.

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Norway is set to raise the minimum age limit for social media use from 13 to 15 as part of an intensified effort to protect children from the influence of tech companies, The Guardian reported.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre acknowledged the challenge of implementing this policy, describing it as “an uphill battle.” He emphasized the importance of political action to shield children from the effects of algorithms, which he claimed were “pitted against small children’s brains.”

Currently, research by the Norwegian media authority shows that more than half of nine-year-olds, 58% of 10-year-olds, and 72% of 11-year-olds are already active on social media, despite the existing age limit of 13. In response, the government plans to amend the Personal Data Act to require users to be at least 15 years old to consent to data processing and to implement an age verification system on social media platforms.

Minister for Children and Families, Kjersti Toppe, speaking to parents campaigning for stricter regulations, stated the new measures aim to empower parents to set boundaries confidently. She added that the government is exploring methods such as bank account verification to enforce these restrictions without violating human rights.

The prime minister underscored the urgency, saying, “This is where politics must step in.”

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