Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use the iPad at home. Bill Gates held off on giving his children phones until they turned 14. Both enforced strict screen time rules, not because they were anti-tech, but because they understood its impact.
They knew that boundaries protect creativity, focus, and human connection.
This month, the European Commission rolled out the Guidelines on the Protection of Minors under the Digital Services Act. Non-binding but ambitious, these guidelines challenge platforms to rethink the features designed to keep young users hooked across social media, mobile apps, games, and AI tools alike.
These guidelines give clear recommendation. These include setting persuasive features (like streak counters and push notifications) off by default for under‑18s, give users choice over algorithmic nudges, develop safeguards around AI chatbots and most importantly the eliminate manipulative monetisation strategies.
So, what are we doing as parents, educators, school leaders… as adults entrusted with the care and development of future citizens? How are we using technology? Are we setting the boundaries we know are needed, or adapting to the technology at hand?
Just because we design and use tech, doesn’t mean we hand over the reins.
Kijt's #EdTech Blog 