The Dutch cabinet’s Guidelines for Healthy Screen Habits for Educators (EN translation of the Guideline) provides educators in the Netherlands with a framework for parenting in the digital age. “Parents cannot do this alone,” state the researchers who drew up the guideline.
The most important points from the guidelines:
- No social media until the age of 13, besides communication via SMS and iMessage.
- Supervised access to social interaction platforms (such as WhatsApp and Signal) starting at the age of 13.
- Only after, access to social media platforms (such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram) – again, under supervision.
- “Only after” depends on the circumstances of the child and family, which the Ministry of Health has specifically interpreted as starting from the age of 15.
For a part, the cabinet’s recommendation is aimed at shifting the social norm. Between 2020 and 2025, we saw an emerging tendency for children to use social media platforms (sometimes even well) before the age of 13 – and thereby owning social media accounts to their parents’ knowledge. This points to a widespread submission of false birthdates. The intention is to change this state of quo, so that it is no longer considered normal simply “because everyone else is doing it”.
The researchers substantiate their claim by describing how teenagers up to 15 are still relatively open to guidance, as educators remain closely involved in their daily activities. They can help set boundaries and make agreements with children about the use of social media and discover what is safe, fun and appropriate online behavior. The guideline identifies four themes with corresponding recommendations:
🫶🏼 Connection & Trust
- Show interest
- Be involved
- Provide space
🧯 Media Literacy & Resilience
- Discuss online behavior
- Set account privacy settings together
- Have your child ask for permission
- Encourage asking critical questions
- Discuss concrete steps if your child sees transgressive behavior online
⚖️ Balance & Structure
- Encourage a balance between screen and screen-free activities
- Make agreements together about:
- Where and when
- How long
- What
- Follow age recommendations for movies, shows, and games
- Use internet content filters
🪞 Your own behaviour and media use
- Lead by example
- Offer your undivided attention
Find that you could use a helping hand to put this advice to practice? In the ChatLicense app you will find tips on how to get started with all these points. We’ve got your back!
