With the rapid development of digital technology, the frequency and dependence of internet use among children and adolescents are increasing. According to a survey by iWIN (Internet Content Protection Agency), in 2024 the average daily internet usage of children and teens in Taiwan reached 3.96 hours, and the age of first internet exposure dropped from 8.7 to 7.1 years, showing that digital devices are deeply integrated into young people's lives.
However, unregulated and unguided internet use may lead to problems such as internet addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and leakage of digital footprints, affecting mental health and parent-child relationships. The National Health Research Institutes pointed out that the self-harm risk score for those who have been cyberbullied is as high as 6.45, close to the high-risk threshold. The leakage of intimate images is also seen as a major trigger for self-injury.
Explanation by Director-General Peng Fu-Yuan of the K-12 Education Administration (Image source: Ministry of Education website)
In response to global digital risks, many countries have taken action. France has banned student phone use at school since 2018. New Zealand implemented a similar ban for elementary and secondary schools starting in 2024. Australia has enacted similar regulations by state, and multiple U.S. states are also promoting "phone-free campuses" legislation.
The Ministry of Education stated that Taiwan&rsquos "Together Protecting the New Generation Online" program focuses on understanding and companionship and aligns with international trends. The Ministry has collaborated with the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the NCC, parent groups, local governments, telecom operators, and professional institutions to build a comprehensive protection network for youth.
Key actions include:
I. Launching a free digital toolkit with illustrated guides and instructional videos to help parents set screen time and filter inappropriate content. (Toolkit link: https://gov.tw/bLU)
II. Enhancing parental digital literacy and parenting education through family education centers and community colleges.
III. Promoting resources in schools, encouraging parent-teacher meetings and school events to share communication techniques and tech support.
IV. Partnering with iWIN and telecom providers to expand protection, including in-store setup services before the school year starts. Parents can receive help by presenting the Ministry&rsquos flyer and signing a consent form. Full details to be announced later.
The Ministry of Education emphasizes that while the internet is a powerful tool for exploration, it can also be a source of stress. Only through collaboration between families, schools, and the government can we ensure that children grow up healthy and safe in the digital world.
