Bulgarian Leaders Propose Social Media Ban for Under-15s, Drawing Parallels to Gambling Dangers
Proposal to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15
The leading political party in Bulgaria, GERB, is considering a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. This idea has sparked widespread public discussion. Kostadin Angelov, Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee and a member of GERB, strongly supports the ban. He compares the negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health to the impact gambling has, suggesting that both can be similarly addictive and harmful.
Angelov Highlights Social Media’s Addictive Nature Similar to Gambling
Angelov explains that the use of social media triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating a cycle of reward and pleasure that mirrors the addictive effects of gambling and drug use. This can lead to dependence, anxiety, difficulties with attention, and sleep disturbances. He points to a documentary where former engineers from major tech companies acknowledged designing social platforms to exploit users’ psychological vulnerabilities. For example, the “Like” button was created to reward users for their engagement repeatedly, reinforcing this addictive behavior.
Research indicates that children spending more than three hours daily on social media face over a 60% increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. Additionally, prolonged use negatively affects concentration and social empathy. Psychologists now describe this phenomenon as “digital withdrawal,” likening it to symptoms seen in substance addiction.
Gambling Among Bulgarian Youth: A Persistent Concern
The issue of gambling among Bulgarian teenagers has been frequently discussed throughout the year. Social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube have been criticized for exposing minors to gambling advertisements. Psychologists warn that these ads encourage underage gambling, raising concern for the well-being of young users.
Angelov characterizes unrestricted social media access for under-15s as a form of widespread addiction masked as freedom. He stresses that adults must set protective boundaries to shield children from manipulative algorithms that turn them into consumers prematurely, before they fully develop their personalities.
He advocates for establishing an age restriction to protect the youth, aiming to restore a sense of childhood by allowing more time for play, conversation, reading, and real-life engagement rather than digital screen time.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Youth Gambling in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has implemented multiple initiatives to reduce gambling among minors and support those affected by gambling addictions from a young age. Among these efforts is the “You Are Not Alone” campaign launched recently, focused on educating children and teenagers about the risks associated with gambling. Coordinated by the National Revenue Agency and the Customs Agency, the campaign has reached thousands of young people during the current academic year and continues to promote awareness and prevention.
